Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. A lockable first fascia portion when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device, inputs to which enable opening a chest door of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator which enables moving a second fascia portion for conducting service activities. At least one computer in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data. A portable article of computer readable and writable media is also operative to cause the computer to gather data concerning the banking machine and record it on the media through a drive. The data gathered is then analyzed by a separate analysis computer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofProvisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/574,115 and 60/574,052 filed May25, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically thisinvention relates to automated banking machine apparatus, systems andmethods that provide for improved reliability and serviceability.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are known. A common type of automated bankingmachine used by consumers is an automated teller machine (“ATM”). ATMsenable customers to carry out banking transactions. Examples of bankingtransactions that are sometimes carried out with ATMs include thedispensing of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer of fundsbetween accounts, the payment of bills, the cashing of checks, thereceipt of cash, the purchase of money orders, the purchase of stamps,the purchase of tickets, the purchase of phone cards and account balanceinquiries. The types of banking transactions a customer can carry out atan ATM are determined by the particular banking machine, the system inwhich it is connected and the programming of the machine by the entityresponsible for its operation.

Other types of automated banking machines may be operated in other typesof environments. For example certain types of automated banking machinesmay be used in a customer service environment. For example certain typesof automated banking machines may be used for purposes of countingcurrency or other items that are received from or which are to be givento a customer. Other types of automated banking machines may be used tovalidate items which provide the customer with access, value orprivileges such as tickets, vouchers, checks or other financialinstruments. Other examples of automated banking machines may includemachines which are operative to provide users with the right tomerchandise or services in an attended or a self-service environment.For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall bedeemed to include any machine which may be operated to carry outtransactions including transfers of value.

ATMs may include various types of transaction function devices. Thesedevices are operated to carry out transactions. Different types of ATMsinclude different types of devices. The different types of devicesenable the ATM to carry out different types of transactions. Forexample, some types of ATMs include a depository for accepting depositswhile other ATMs do not. Some ATMs have a “touch screen” while othershave separate displays and input buttons. ATMs can also be fitted withdevices such as cash and coin acceptors, statement printers, checkvalidators, bill acceptors, thumb print readers and other types ofdevices, while other ATMs do not include such devices.

Many financial institutions wish to add new functionality to theirexisting ATMs. For example, a bank with ATMs for dispensing cash maywish to add a statement printer to each of the ATMs for printing acustomer's banking statement. Such new functionality usually requiresadditional software modifications to the ATM in addition to the newhardware. Unfortunately, the process of updating ATM software istypically complicated by the fact that many financial institutionspurchase ATM hardware from more than one manufacturer. Thus, to add newsoftware for performing a new function such as printing bankingstatements, separate applications must be written or modified for eachvendor-specific ATM platform. Compounding this complexity,vendor-specific ATM platforms may similarly incorporate transactionfunction devices from a variety of other sources so within avendor-specific ATM platform, significant variation may also be presentin vendor-specific transaction function device drivers. Portingapplications to multiple ATM platforms, significantly reduces theproductivity of the ATM software developers. Consequently, there existsa need for an architecture that enables developers to write ATMapplications that work with minimal modification on a plurality ofproprietary ATM platforms, with a plurality of proprietary transactionfunction devices.

To achieve this goal, industry standards may enable ATM hardware andsoftware to be cross-vendor compatible. One example of such a standardis WOSA/XFS (Windows Open Services Architecture/eXtensions for FinancialServices) which is defined by the CEN/ISSS XFS standard committee. FIG.26 shows a schematic view of an exemplary WOSA/XFS architecture. Anexemplary WOSA/XFS enabled ATM 1110 may include a WOSA/XFS Manager 1112.The WOSA/XFS Manager 1112 includes a standardized interface to enable anATM terminal application 1114 to communicate with ATM transactionfunction devices 1116. Each transaction function device 1116 includes acorresponding service provider interface component 1118. The serviceproviders 1118 are supplied by the vendors of the ATM devices 1116 andare specially designed to accept requests from the WOSA/XFS Manager 1112and pass those requests on to the corresponding device 1116.Theoretically, the ATM terminal software application 1114 will be ableto run on any vendor's ATM hardware 120 as long as both the ATM terminalapplication 1114 and the vendor's implementation of the serviceproviders 1118 adhere to the WOSA/XFS specifications.

Another example of an emerging industrial standard for an ATMhardware/software architecture is J/XFS (Java/eXtensions for FinancialServices). Unlike WOSA-XFS which is designed for Microsoft Windows®platforms only, J/XFS is a Java-based architecture that may beimplemented on any hardware/software platform that supports a Java®Virtual Machine (JVM). As shown in FIG. 27, an exemplary J/XFS enabledATM 1210 may include a J/XFS Kernel. The J/XFS Kernel is similar infunctionality to the previously described WOSA/XFS Manager 1112.However, the J/XFS Kernel runs in a JVM 1224. The J/XFS Kernel isoperative responsive to commands from an ATM terminal softwareapplication 1214 to have a device service layer 1220 control theoperation of ATM devices 1216. Like the previously described serviceproviders 1118, the device service layer 1220 includes vendor provideddevice services 1218 that correspond to the vendor's hardware devices1216.

In general the previously described XFS architectures define a standardfor the lowest common denominator of ATM hardware features.Unfortunately, by including only those features that are common to allATM hardware devices, the XFS standards cannot include interfaces tounique features associated with a vendor's particular implementation ofa transaction function device. One example of unique features that arenot implemented in the XFS interfaces includes access to low leveldiagnostic testing of individual hardware components of a device. Suchcontrol over low level hardware functionality can be very useful whentroubleshooting problems with a specific component such as a motor orsensor. Unfortunately, as each vendor may mechanically and/orelectronically construct a particular type of device completelydifferently than another vendor, the XFS standards have not attempted toimplement methods for testing low level vendor specific hardware.

It is desirable to keep automated banking machines in operation at allappropriate times to the extent possible. If a machine should experiencea malfunction, it is useful to return the machine to service as quicklyas possible. The inability to perform low-level diagnostic testing, andthe wide variation in vendor developed transaction function devicediagnostic testing methods and capabilities may create significantdelays in diagnosing and resolving such malfunctions. Thus there existsa need for low level diagnostic tools and testing of ATM hardware whichmay be used in either single vendor or cross-vendor XFS enabledterminals. There further exists a need for improvements in theoperation, reliability, servicing and repair of automated bankingmachines. There further exists a need for the capability of analyzingproblems with ATMs and predicting problems before they occur.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to providean automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine which provides improved access forservicing.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine which enables controlling thetemperature of machine components to extend service life.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine which provides for reliableillumination of transaction areas while facilitating servicing of themachine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine that facilitates the detection offraudulent activity which may be attempted at the machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an architecture including standardized low level interfaces forhardware devices made by a plurality of vendors.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine with improved diagnosticcapabilities.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide an automated banking machine which reduces the risk ofunauthorized access to devices and operations of the machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention toprovide systems and methods for analyzing features of an automatedbanking machine.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in thefollowing Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in some exemplary embodiments byan automated banking machine which is an ATM. The ATM includes aplurality of transaction function devices. In the exemplary embodimentthe transaction function devices include input and output devices whichare part of a user interface. In the exemplary embodiment thetransaction function devices also include devices for carrying out typesof banking transactions such as a currency dispenser device which isalternatively referred to herein as a cash dispenser, and a depositaccepting device. The exemplary embodiment of the ATM also includes atleast one computer which is generally referred to herein as a processoror controller, and which is operative to cause the operation of thetransaction function devices in the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments the controller may include a moduleinterface framework which provides a uniform interface between an ATMapplication and a plurality of modules, generally comprising transactionfunction devices. An exemplary module interface framework includes adevice server which is operative as a device dispatcher and manager. Thedevice server may be accessed by a terminal application, XFS serviceprovider component (SP), and/or a diagnostic application through atleast one module interface application program interface (“API”). Thedevice server is operative to selectively direct transaction functiondevices to operate through use of module interface components whichcorresponds to the transaction function devices. The use of a moduleinterface framework enables the use of a consistent set of commands foruse by one or more applications to control a plurality of vendorspecific transaction function devices which may be incorporated in anyindividual ATM.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use a cross-vendor ATMterminal application, in which case an XFS layer, using a serviceprovider for each transaction function device may be employed betweenthe ATM terminal application and the module interface framework or inparallel with the module interface framework.

In some exemplary embodiments an improved diagnostic system may beprovided for authorized servicers of the machine. The improveddiagnostic system may include security features so as to reduce the riskof unauthorized persons using service and diagnostic capabilities of themachine for unauthorized purposes.

In an exemplary embodiment authorized servicers are provided with aportable diagnostic article bearing computer readable instructions suchas a CD, DVD, smart card, portable memory device, compact flash card,portable hard drive, portable computing device, or any other portabledevice which is operative to provide diagnostic information to an ATM.When an authorized servicer is to service the machine, the portablediagnostic article is placed into operative engagement with a diagnosticarticle reading device. This may include for example a CD drive locatedwithin the chest portion of the housing of the ATM. This exemplaryapproach may reduce the risk that persons who do not have access to thechest area are enabled to access the diagnostic article reading device.However, in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article provides to thecontroller of the machine one or more secret codes. The secret codes maythen be manipulated through the operation of the controller to determineif the diagnostic article is authorized. In some embodiments a servicermay also be required to input identifying information through one ormore input devices on the ATM. Such identifying information may also beutilized in the determination as to whether the diagnostic article isauthorized. Further in some exemplary embodiments the secret codes inthe diagnostic article may be date, location and/or device sensitivesuch that the diagnostic article with the secret codes may be employedonly during particular times and/or during a particular calendar period,at particular machines or for only certain devices in the machine. Ofcourse these security procedures are exemplary and in other embodimentsother or additional approaches may be used.

In some exemplary embodiments the ATM controller responsive toauthentication of the diagnostic article is operative to enable themachine to output protected diagnostic data which is stored in one ormore data stores within the machine. This may include for exampleinformation concerning performance of devices, information concerningsensed malfunctions or near malfunctions, data concerning statisticaloperational trends of various transaction function devices and/or otherinformation that may be useful in diagnosing a malfunction of themachine and/or in preventing a future malfunction. In the exemplaryembodiment this diagnostic data is stored in a protected manner in thedata store of the machine so as to prevent access thereto byunauthorized persons. However, when the machine is engaged with anauthorized diagnostic article such data, or information based thereon,is enabled to be output either through output devices on the machine,such as a screen, and/or other devices, such as a portable terminal orcell phone carried by a servicer.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ATM controller responsive toauthentication of the diagnostic article is operative to enable themachine to switch to a diagnostic application. The diagnosticapplication may include, for example graphical representations of thesystem, module, and component status by displaying a graphicalrepresentation of the system, or selected module, or component. Inaddition, the diagnostic application may include a plurality of iconswhich identify portions of the system, module, or component about whichmore information is available, or for which diagnostic tests or otheroptions may be available. In some embodiments of a diagnosticapplication, options available to the servicer may include the abilityto direct a transaction function device to selectively perform one ormore low level actions, such as turning on an indicator light, a motor,or sensor. In some embodiments, the availability of such information maybe announced by other output means, such as textually or aurally oraudibly. In some exemplary embodiments, such information, tests, orother options may be accessed or initiated by touching or clicking therelated icon or textual description. In some embodiments, theinformation available may include suggested recovery actions, ranked bylikelihood. This diagnostic application may further be operableresponsive to a servicer input to switch from a graphical diagnostic andtesting mode to a non-graphical diagnostic and mode.

In some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic article further includesservice data which is useful in diagnosing and/or correcting problemswhich have or which may occur at the machine. In some embodiments theservice data may be included within or be interoperable with electronicservice manual data which describes various features of the machine andinstructions for remedial actions and preventive maintenance. In someexemplary embodiments the service data may include instructions whichare operative to cause the controller within the machine to conduct atleast one diagnostic test of one or more transaction function devices.In some embodiments the service data may further be operative to enablethe controller to output suggested remedial actions or suggest furthertesting based on one or more results of a diagnostic test. In someembodiments, the diagnostic application may be operative responsive toservicer selection of a recovery action to display the relevant servicemanual data in a browser window. In further exemplary embodiments aservicer may be enabled to browse through service manual data or otherinformation included in or on the diagnostic article so as to receiveoutputs that facilitate servicing and maintaining the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, the diagnostic application may be mademore accessible to a variety of servicers by use of a diagnostics toolkit. The diagnostics tool kit makes common functions available throughthe use of sample code, templates, and high level objects in programmingenvironments such as Microsoft.NET and/or Suns Microsystems JAVA® forexample. The use of such a tool kit allows a company to creatediagnostic applications in a variety of languages and for a variety oftransaction function devices.

In some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic article may include serviceor other data in an encrypted format. Various types of standard andnonstandard encryption may be used in various embodiments. Thecontroller may be operative to decrypt such encrypted data so as tofacilitate the output of the data from the ATM. Further in someexemplary embodiments the diagnostic article may include browsersoftware thereon. Such browser software may be loaded from thediagnostic article to the controller of the machine and used tointerpret the service data from the diagnostic article. In someembodiments the browser software may be operative to interpret embeddedinstructions of a nonpublic and/or nonstandard nature which may beincluded within the service data. This may facilitate the provision ofservice data on the diagnostic article while preventing access byunauthorized users. In some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic articlemay further include instructions or devices which prevent the permanentloading of the browser software and/or service data onto anothercomputer and/or may operate to cause such items to be erased from memoryof a computer when the diagnostic article is removed from operativeengagement with a computer.

In some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic article may be utilizedwith computer devices that are separate from the ATM. This may includefor example devices such as notebook computers, PCs, PDAs or cellphones. In such exemplary embodiments the service article may beutilized with such devices to provide access to service data thereonsuch as for example electronic service manuals. Security provisions maybe provided in the manner previously discussed or in other ways toassure that use is not made of the diagnostic article by unauthorizedusers. Further, in exemplary embodiments instructions from the servicearticle that may be operative to cause a controller of an ATM tointeract with transaction function devices may be rendered inoperativewhen the service article is installed in connection with a computerdevice which is not an ATM.

In some exemplary embodiments the machine may be operative to outputdata associated with the machine that can be used to conduct varioustypes of analyses. Such analyses may include, for example, identifyingerrors in setting configurable parameters of the machine, identifyingfaults with the operation of transaction function devices, and/orpredicting future needs to service one or more of the transactionfunction devices in the machine. Such analyses may be conducted by oneor more computers either within the machine or through a separatecomputer. In an exemplary embodiment, removable computer readable mediaincludes instructions which are operative to cause at least one computerin the machine to gather data and to write indicia corresponding to thedata on the removable computer readable media. In an exemplaryembodiment the machine includes a read/write device such as, forexample, a CD read/write drive. Responsive to the removable mediaincluding the instructions being input to the drive by an authorizedservicer, the instructions are operative to cause at least one computerin the machine to create one or more processing threads. The processingthreads are also operative to establish one or more temporary files inone or more data stores. The processing threads are operative to gatherdata regarding configurable features, device operations, or otherfeatures associated with the machine and include them in the temporaryfiles in at least one data store of the machine.

In an exemplary embodiment, the instructions are also operative to causethe at least one computer to produce an output indicative that the datais being gathered through an output device of the machine, such as onthe screen which can be viewed by a servicer of the machine. Upongathering the data, the exemplary embodiment is operative to cause theat least one computer in the machine to secure the data such as throughpassword protection and/or encryption, and to write indiciacorresponding to the gathered data to the removable media. Thereafterthe instructions are operative to close the temporary files andterminate the processing threads.

In an exemplary embodiment, the removable media may then be taken to aseparate analysis computer. The analysis computer may recover the datafrom the indicia and analyze it for errors in the setting ofconfigurable parameters, faults with the operation of devices, and/or toanalyze and predict a need for future service of one or more transactionfunction devices in the machine. Responsive to this information,appropriate remedial action may be taken, such as correctingconfigurable settings, repairing devices so as to correct faults, and/orto conduct service activities to avoid the potential function which islikely to occur based on the predictive analysis.

As will be appreciated, the foregoing objects and examples are exemplaryand embodiments of the invention need not meet all or any of theforegoing objects, and need not include all or any of the exemplaryfeatures described above. Additional aspects and embodiments within thescope of the claims will be devised by those having skill in the artbased on the teachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric external view of an exemplary embodiment of anautomated banking machine which is an ATM.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the ATM shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transparent side view showing schematically some internalfeatures of the ATM.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view representative of the software architectureof an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the fascia portion moved to access afirst portion of an upper housing of the machine.

FIG. 6 is a partially transparent side view showing air flow through anair cooling opening of the machine.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing a baffle structure used in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a fascia portion in an operativeposition adjacent the baffle.

FIG. 9 is a transparent rear isometric view showing blowers, airopenings and an air moving duct within a housing of an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the ATM shown in FIG. 1 with thecomponents of the upper housing portion removed and showing aspects ofthe illumination system for the transaction areas supported on the chestportion of the housing.

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the housing showing schematicallythe illumination system for the transaction areas and representing inphantom the movement of the upper fascia portion so as to provide accessfor servicing.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment oflogic that may be used in servicing the machine through use of adiagnostic article.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an illumination and anti-fraud sensingdevice which bounds a card reader slot of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of an unauthorized card reading devicein operative connection with a housing of the anti-fraud sensor.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of logic forpurposes of detecting the presence of an unauthorized card readingdevice in proximity to the card reader during operation of the ATM.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view representative of the software architectureof an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view representative of the software architectureof an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a representative system status screen of a diagnosticapplication.

FIG. 20 shows a representative module status screen of a diagnosticapplication, including an information icon.

FIG. 21 shows a representative system status screen of a diagnosticapplication, including a problem icon.

FIG. 22 shows a representative module status screen of a diagnosticapplication, including an unknown problem icon and suggested recoveryactions.

FIG. 23 shows a representative diagnostic application text screen.

FIG. 24 shows a representative article which may be displayed in abrowser.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view representative of the software architectureof an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic tool kit.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary WOSA/XFSenabled ATM.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary J/XFS enabledATM.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment ofan XFS enabled ATM.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment ofa terminal application that includes an exemplary card reader TEC tointeract with exemplary ODS components.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment ofa diagnostic application.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show exemplary embodiments of outputs through a displaydevice of an ATM that are produced by the diagnostic application.

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary embodiment of an ATM which includes asecurity manager application.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view representing an ATM system in which dataassociated with an automated banking machine is gathered and analyzed bya servicer.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of exemplary logic flow executed by anautomated banking machine in response to a removable diagnostic articlewhich is operative to cause the machine to gather data and store indiciacorresponding to the data on the article.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of an exemplary logic flow executed by ananalysis computer in analyzing data gathered in an automated bankingmachine.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein an exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machinegenerally indicated 10. In the exemplary embodiment automated bankingmachine 10 is a drive up ATM, however the features described and claimedherein are not necessarily limited to ATMs of this type. The exemplaryATM includes a housing 12. Housing 12 includes an upper housing area 14and a secure chest portion 16 in a lower portion of the housing. Accessto the chest portion 16 is controlled by a chest door 18 which whenunlocked by authorized persons in the manner later explained, enablesgaining access to the interior of the chest area.

The exemplary ATM 10 further includes a first fascia portion 20 and asecond fascia portion 22. Each of the fascia portions is movably mountedrelative to the housing as later explained, which in the exemplaryembodiment facilitates servicing.

The ATM includes a user interface generally indicated 24. The exemplaryuser interface includes input devices such as a card reader 26 (shown inFIG. 3) which is in operative connection with a card reader slot 28which extends in the second fascia portion. Other input devices of theexemplary user interface 24 include function keys 30 and a keypad 32.The exemplary ATM 10 also includes a camera 34 which also may serve asan input device for biometric features and the like. The exemplary userinterface 24 also includes output devices such as a display 36. Display36 is viewable by an operator of the machine when the machine is in theoperative connection to an opening 38 in the second fascia portion 22.Further output devices in the exemplary user interface include a speaker40. A headphone jack 42 also serves as an output device. The headphonejack 42 may be connected to a headphone provided by a user who isvisually impaired to provide the user with voice guidance in theoperation of the machine. The exemplary machine further includes areceipt printer 44 (see FIG. 3) which is operative to provide users ofthe machine with receipts for transactions conducted. Transactionreceipts are provided to users through a receipt delivery slot 46 whichextends through the second fascia portion. Exemplary receipt printersthat may be used in some embodiments are shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,729,379 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,075, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference herein. It should be understood that theseinput and output devices of the user interface 24 are exemplary and inother embodiments, other or different input and output devices may beused.

In the exemplary embodiment the second fascia portion 22 has includedthereon a deposit envelope providing opening 48. Deposit envelopes maybe provided from the deposit envelope providing opening 48 to users whomay place deposits in the machine. The first fascia portion 20 alsoincludes a fascia lock 50. Fascia lock 50 is in operative connectionwith the first fascia portion 20 and limits access to the first portionof the upper housing area behind the fascia to authorized persons. Inthe exemplary embodiment fascia lock 50 comprises a key type lock.However, in other embodiments other types of locking mechanisms may beused. Such other types of locking mechanisms may include for example,other types of mechanical and electronic locks that are opened inresponse to items, inputs, signals, conditions, actions or combinationsor multiples thereof.

The exemplary ATM 10 further includes a delivery area 52. Delivery area52 is in connection with a currency dispenser device 54 which ispositioned in the chest portion 16 and is shown schematically in FIG. 3.The delivery area 52 is a transaction area on the machine in whichcurrency sheets are delivered to a user. In the exemplary embodiment thedelivery area 52 is positioned and extends within a recessed pocket 56in the housing of the machine.

ATM 10 further includes a deposit acceptance area 58. Deposit acceptancearea 58 is an area through which deposits such as deposit envelopes tobe deposited by users are placed in the machine. The deposit acceptancearea 58 is in operative connection with a deposit accepting devicepositioned in the chest portion 16 of the ATM. Exemplary types ofdeposit accepting devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,769 and U.S.Pat. No. 4,597,330, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In the exemplary embodiment the deposit acceptance area 58 serves as atransaction area of the machine and is positioned within a recessedpocket 60. It should be understood that while the exemplary embodimentof ATM 10 includes an envelope deposit accepting device and a currencysheet dispenser device, other or different types of transaction functiondevices may be included in automated banking machines and devicesencompassed by the present invention. These may include for example,check and/or money order accepting devices, cash accepting devices,ticket accepting devices, stamp accepting devices, card dispensingdevices, money order dispensing devices and other types of devices whichare operative to carry out transaction functions.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the ATM 10 includescertain illuminating devices which are used to illuminate transactionareas, some of which are later discussed in detail. First fascia portion20 includes an illumination panel 62 for illuminating the depositenvelope providing opening 48. Second fascia portion 22 includes anillumination panel 64 for illuminating the area of the receipt deliveryslot 46 and the card reader slot 28. Further, an illuminated housing 66later discussed in detail, bounds the card reader slot 28. Also, in theexemplary embodiment an illuminating window 68 is positioned in therecessed pocket 56 of the delivery area 52. An illuminating window 70 ispositioned in the recessed pocket 60 of the deposit acceptance area 58.It should be understood that these structures and features are exemplaryand in other embodiments other structures and features may be used.

As schematically represented in FIG. 3, the ATM 10 includes one or moreinternal computers. Such internal computers include one or moreprocessors. Such processors may be in operative connection with one ormore data stores. In some embodiments processors may be located oncertain devices within the ATM so as to individually control theoperation thereof. Examples such as multi-tiered processor systems areshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,101 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,809, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

For purposes of simplicity, the exemplary embodiment will be describedas having a single controller which controls the operation of deviceswithin the machine. However it should be understood that such referenceshall be construed to encompass multicontroller and multiprocessorsystems as may be appropriate in controlling the operation of aparticular machine. In FIG. 3 the controller is schematicallyrepresented 72. Also as schematically represented, the controller 72 isin operative connection with one or more data stores 78. Such datastores 78 in exemplary embodiments are operative to store programinstructions, values and other information used in the operation of themachine. Although the controller 72 is schematically shown in the upperhousing area 14 of ATM 10, it should be understood that in alternativeembodiments controllers may be located within various portions of theautomated banking machine.

In order to conduct transactions the exemplary ATM 10 communicates withremote computers. The remote computers are operative to exchangemessages with the machine and authorize and record the occurrence ofvarious transactions. This is represented in FIG. 3 by the communicationof the machine through a network 76 with a bank 78, which has at leastone computer which is operative to exchange messages with the ATMthrough a network 76. For example, the bank 78 may receive one or moremessages from the ATM requesting authorization to allow a customer towithdraw $200 from their account. The remote computer at the bank 78will operate to determine that such a withdrawal is authorized and willreturn one or more messages to the machine through the network 76authorizing the transaction. After the ATM conducts the transaction, theATM will generally send one or more messages back through the network 76to the bank 78 indicating that the transaction was successfully carriedout. Of course these messages are merely exemplary.

It should be understood that in some embodiments the ATM may communicatewith other entities and through various networks. For example asschematically represented in FIG. 3, the ATM will communicate withcomputers operated by service providers 80. Such communications mayoccur through a network 76. Such service providers may be entities to benotified of status conditions or malfunctions of the ATM as well asentities who are to be notified of corrective actions. An example ofsuch a system for accomplishing this is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,984,178, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Other third parties who may receive notifications from exemplary ATMsinclude entities responsible for delivering currency to the machine toassure that the currency supplies are not depleted. Other entities maybe responsible for removing deposit items from the machine. Alternativeentities that may be notified of actions at the machine may includeentities which hold marketing data concerning consumers and who providemessages which correspond to marketing messages to be presented toconsumers. Various types of messages may be provided to remote systemsand entities by the machine depending on the capabilities of themachines in various embodiments and the types of transactions beingconducted.

FIG. 4 shows schematically an exemplary software architecture which maybe operative in the controller 72 of machine 10. The exemplary softwarearchitecture includes an operating system such as for example Microsoft®Windows, IBM OS/2® or Linux. The exemplary software architecture alsoincludes an ATM application 82. The exemplary application 82 includesthe instructions for the operation of the automated banking machine andmay include, for example, an Agilis™ 91x application that iscommercially available from Diebold, Incorporated which is a softwareapplication for operating ATMs, and which may further be a cross vendorapplication. A further example of a software application which may beused in some embodiments is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,320, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the exemplary embodiment middleware software layer schematicallyindicated 84 is operative in the controller 72. In the exemplaryembodiment the middleware software layer 84 operates to compensate fordifferences between various types of automated banking machines andtransaction function devices used therein. The use of a middlewaresoftware layer 84 enables the more ready use of an identical softwareapplication on various types of ATM hardware. In the exemplaryembodiment the middleware software layer 84 may be Involve® softwarewhich is commercially available from Nexus Software, a wholly ownedsubsidiary of the assignee of the present invention.

The exemplary software architecture further includes a diagnostics layer86. The diagnostics layer 86 is operative as later explained to enableaccessing and performing various diagnostic functions of the deviceswithin the ATM. In the exemplary embodiment the diagnostics layer 86operate in conjunction with a browser schematically indicated 88.

The exemplary software architecture may further include an XFS layerschematically indicated 90 which is described in more detail below. TheXFS layer 90 presents a standardized interface to the software layersabove the XFS layer and which facilitates the development of softwarewhich can be used in conjunction with different types of ATM hardware.Of course this software architecture is exemplary and in otherembodiments other architectures may be used.

An example of an XFS enabled cross vendor architecture which may be usedin an exemplary embodiment, includes an Agilis™ 91x application that iscommercially available from Diebold, Incorporated. FIG. 28 shows aschematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment of across-vendor ATM architecture 1020. Here the ATM architecture 1020includes a computer 1022 that is in operative connection with aplurality of transaction function devices 1042. Such transactionfunction devices may include for example such devices as a notedispenser, coin dispenser, card reader, printer, key pad, displaydevice, function keys, depositor, cash acceptor or any other hardwaredevice that may be operatively connected to an ATM.

The computer 1022 may include software components including a terminalapplication 1024 that is operative to control the operation of thetransaction function devices 1042. The computer 1022 may further includean XFS layer 1028 that corresponds to a multi-vendor supported interfacefor ATM devices such as the WOSA/XFS Manager or the J/XFS Kernel. Acurrent release of the XFS layer includes XFS 3.0. Exemplary embodimentsof the components described herein which communicate with the XFS layermay be compatible with the XFS 3.0 standard or any other older or laterXFS standard that is developed.

In addition, the computer 1022 may further include a device driver layer1030 which includes a plurality of device driver components 1038 thatinterface with the XFS layer. For example, if the XFS layer correspondsto the WOSA/XFS Manager, the device driver components 1038 correspond tothe WOSA/XFS service provider interfaces. If the XFS layer correspondsto the J/XFS Kernel, the device driver components 1038 correspond to theJ/XFS device services. In an exemplary embodiment which includes a J/XFSKernel terminal applications may use Sun Microsystems' Java®. Examplesof automated transaction machines that include a Java-based terminalapplication are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/193,637 which, isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used herein devicedrivers which correspond to either WOSA/XFS service provider interfacesor J/XFS device services are referred to as service provider components1038 or SP components.

For each transaction function device 1042, an SP 1038 must be installedin the computer that is operative to enable commands passed through theXFS layer 1028 to control the operation of the transaction functiondevices 1042. In one exemplary embodiment the SPs 1038 are manuallyinstalled from a portable physical media such as a disk or CD suppliedby the manufacturer of the device. In another exemplary embodiment theSPs are operatively downloaded from a data store of SPs that is inoperative connection with the computer. In a further exemplaryembodiment the SPs are retrieved by the computer 1022 from thetransaction function devices 1042 themselves using a serviceconfiguration protocol such as Sun Microsystems JINI™, MicrosoftUniversal Plug and Play™, or other plug and play architecture.

Each of the SPs 1038 are operative responsive to the XFS layer 1028 tohave at least one transaction function device 1042 perform a function.For example, a card reader SP is operative responsive to a read cardrequest from the XFS layer 1028 to have its corresponding card readerdevice physically read information from a card and return theinformation through the XFS layer. Another SP such as a note dispenserSP is operative responsive to a dispense request from the XFS layer 1028to have its corresponding cash dispenser dispense an amount of notes.

In this described exemplary embodiment the terminal application 1024 isoperative to control transaction function devices 1042 throughcommunication with the XFS layer 1028. However, rather than having theterminal application 1024 communicate with the XFS layer directly, theexemplary embodiment includes an ODS layer 1026 operative in thecomputer 1022 between the terminal application 1024 and the XFS layer1028. An example of an ODS layer may include the previously describedInvolve® software.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the ODS layer 1026 is operativeresponsive to the terminal application 1024 to control the functionalityof transaction function devices 1042 through communication with the XFSand device driver layers 1028 and 1030. The ODS layer 1026 includes aplurality of ODS components 1036 that generally correspond to the SPs1038 and/or the transaction function devices 1042. For example, theexemplary embodiment may include a card reader ODS component thatcorresponds to a card reader SP for a card reader. An exemplaryembodiment may also include a note dispenser ODS component thatcorresponds to a note dispenser SP for a note dispenser.

When SPs from two or more vendors generally communicate with the XFSlayer in a consistent manner, a single ODS component may be used wheneither of the drivers are installed in the ATM. However, if thevendor-specific SPs implement communication with the XFS layer in adifferent manner, vendor-specific ODS components may be operativelyprogrammed for each of the vendor-specific SPs. A vendor specific ODScomponent may then be installed in the ODS layer responsive to whichevervendor-specific SP is installed in the ATM. The vendor specific ODScomponent is operative to communicate through the XFS layer in a mannerthat is appropriate for the particular implementation of thevendor-specific driver.

Although each vendor-specific ODS component may communicate with the XFSlayer in a different manner, all of the vendor specific ODS componentsfor a particular type of device share a common interface for access byexternal applications such as the terminal application 1024. The ODSlayer 1026 is thus operative to isolate the inconsistencies incommunication between different SPs, and to present the terminalapplication 1024, or any other application, with a common set ofmethods, properties and events for communicating with transactionfunction devices from different vendors.

The described exemplary embodiment encompasses a testing process that isoperative to identify unique characteristics and/or inconsistencies in avendor's implementation of a SP and to operatively adapt ODS componentsto include those features that are necessary to properly andconsistently communicate with the SP through the XFS layer.

In general the testing process includes the configuration of theparticular vendor's hardware device and corresponding SP on an XFSenabled test platform. The test platform typically includes a computersystem with an XFS layer and an ODS component that corresponds to theparticular type of the vendor's device. For example, if the particulardevice being tested is a note dispenser, an ODS component thatcorresponds to an SP for a note dispenser is installed in the testplatform.

The test platform further includes a testing application. The testingapplication is operative to interface with the ODS component and issue aplurality of commands through the ODS component to control the operationof the vendor's device. A user may monitor and/or interact with thedevice and the test application to determine which functions of thedevice may or may not work properly with the ODS component.

For example, when testing a card reader the testing application enablesa user to issue a command to the ODS component to have the device read acard. The testing application is further operative to output to the userthe results of the operation. If the operation appears to workcorrectly, the testing application may display the contents of theinformation read from the card. A user may then verify that the contentsare correct. If the operation failed, the user may evaluate the errormessages that are generated. In addition, if the operation triggers anunexpected event through the XFS layer, the testing application isfurther operative to report what events have been triggered as a resultof the operation.

In addition to monitoring the testing application, the user may alsomonitor the actual device to determine if the operation produces thecorrect function. For example, if the device corresponds to a notedispenser, the testing application may include an operation to dispensea certain amount of cash or number of notes through communication with acash dispenser ODS. By monitoring the cash dispenser the user candetermine if the correct amount of cash was dispensed, for example.After functional problems between the current ODS component and thedevice have been identified, the ODS component may be operativelymodified to compensate for the idiosyncrasies associated with thevendor's implementation of the SP. The modified ODS component may thenbe further tested on the testing platform to either uncover furtherinconsistencies or to certify that the ODS component works properly.Once an ODS component has been certified, it may be installed in any ATMthat includes the tested vendor's device, SP and corresponding XFS layerto enable a terminal application to properly control the device'sfunctionality.

In the exemplary embodiment the terminal application 1024 may be basedon any programming architecture that is operative to communicate withthe ODS layer 1026. In one exemplary embodiment the terminal applicationmay be a Microsoft Windows-based application comprised of one or moreWindows-based executable programs. In an exemplary embodiment theWindows-based application may include a plurality of .Net components andapplications. In an alternative exemplary embodiment the terminalapplication may include a browser based application with a userinterface comprised of web pages. Such web pages may include static webpages and/or dynamically generated web pages using Active Server pages,.Net, PHP, and CGI for example. In addition, the web pages may includeHTML, DHTML, XML, Java Script, Active X, .Net components, Java applets,or any other markup language, component or script. In further exemplaryembodiments the terminal application may be a Java application that isoperative in a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

In an exemplary embodiment, the ODS layer may be based on anyprogramming architecture that is operative to communicate with the XFSlayer 28. For example, if the XFS layer corresponds to a J/XFS Kernelrunning in a JVM 48 of the computer 22, the ODS components may beconstructed as Java Beans that are operative in the JVM. If the XFSlayer corresponds to the WOSA/XFS Manager, the ODS components may beconstructed as a plurality of Windows-based DLLs and or .Net components.If portions of the XFS layer and/or terminal application are bothWindows-based and Java-based, the ODS layer may include componentsoperative in the JVM and components operative as DLLs. In otherembodiments, the ODS layer and terminal application may be configured asother types of applets, modules or libraries which are appropriate forthe operating system architecture and the XFS layer.

To enhance the productivity of programmers who develop a terminalapplication, the described exemplary embodiment may comprise theintegration of transaction element components (TECs) 1034 with theterminal application 1024. TECs are objects or classes such as ActiveXs,.Net objects, or Java Beans that encapsulate the complex operation ofone or more transaction function devices 1042 into a package ofstreamlined methods, properties and events. The TEC objects include thenecessary functionality to communicate with the ODS layer. In theexemplary embodiment an entire terminal application can be constructedfrom TEC objects. Although the ODS components 1036 may generally have aone to one relationship with corresponding SPs 1038 and/or transactionfunction devices 1042, the TEC objects combine logical groupings offunctions for different devices resulting in the TEC objects having agenerally one to many relationship with ODS components.

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary terminal application 1050. The terminalapplication includes a card reader TEC 1052. The application 1050 isoperative to invoke methods 1054 of the card reader TEC 1052 such asenable a card reader, read a card, write a card, return a card andretain a card. The application 1050 is further operative to setproperties 1056 of the card reader TEC 1052 such as the time out valuebefore a card is returned by the card reader. In addition, theapplication is further operative to monitor one or more events 1058 thatare triggered through the card reader TEC.

The exemplary card reader TEC 1052 is operative to communicate withthree different hardware devices including a card reader device 1060, alead through indicator device 1061 and a beeper device 1062. Theexemplary card reader TEC 1052 interfaces with these devices throughcommunication with three corresponding ODS components including a cardreader ODS 1063, an indicator ODS 1064 and a beeper ODS 1065.

Through communication with the card reader ODS 1063, the card reader TEC1052 is operative to have the card reader device 1060 perform aplurality of functions such as enabling the card reader, reading a cardand returning the card to a customer. The card reader ODS communicateswith the card reader device through the XFS layer 1068 and the cardreader driver 1067. When enabling the card reader, the exemplary cardreader TEC 1052 is further operative to automatically activate a leadthru indicator light 1061 to draw a customer's attention to the cardreader 1060. This is performed by communicating with a sensors andindicators SP 1066 through interaction with the indicators ODS 1064. Inaddition, when a beeping sound is desired to signal the customer toremove their card, the exemplary card reader TEC 1052 interacts with thebeeper ODS 1065 to have the sensors and indicators driver 1066 activatethe beeper device 1062. The exemplary embodiments of the TECs areoperative to combine device interaction in a logical manner bycommunicating with more than one ODS component and corresponding devicesin response to various methods of the TEC being invoked.

In addition to enabling the generation of cross-vendor compatibleterminal applications that either include TEC Objects, or that areoperative to interface with the ODS layer directly, the exemplaryembodiment encompasses adapting pre-existing and proprietary terminalcontrol software of one vendor to run on another vendor's ATM hardware.Such proprietary terminal control software typically communicates with aplurality of proprietary device drivers directly without accessing thepreviously described XFS layer. Consequently proprietary terminalcontrol software has previously been limited to running only on aspecific vendor's hardware platform. However, the exemplary embodimentis further operative to enable such proprietary software to properlycontrol another vendor's transaction function devices when installed onanother vendor's ATM platform. This is achieved by adapting theproprietary software to communicate with ODS components rather thanproprietary device drivers. Once the proprietary terminal controlsoftware has been so adapted, the software is operative to run onanother vendor's ATM platform that includes an XFS layer andcorresponding SPs.

As shown in FIG. 28, the SPs 1038 of an exemplary embodiment may furtherinclude or be associated with diagnostic interfaces 1040 in addition totheir interfaces with the XFS layer 1028. The diagnostic interfaces 1040may include additional low level hardware control functions that may beaccessed using function calls by external applications without using anXFS layer. The low level functions for example may access specificmotors, sensors and other components in the corresponding transactionfunction devices 1042. By employing a diagnostic application 1044 toaccess these low level functions of the SP 1038 directly, individualmechanical and electronic functions specific to the device can betested, analyzed and possibly corrected.

For example a cash dispenser SP may be adapted to include an interfacefor manipulating individual motors or sensors in a corresponding cashdispenser transaction function device. Such access is provided toapplications independently of the XFS layer. In an exemplary embodiment,the diagnostic application may be operatively programmed to access thediagnostic interfaces of a plurality of different SPs. Further exemplaryembodiments of the diagnostic application may also be adapted to use theXFS layer to deactivate one or more devices from XFS communication. Oncethe devices have been taken off-line with respect to the XFS components,the diagnostic application may enable a service technician to directlyaccess ATM hardware through the corresponding diagnostic interface fortrouble shooting, repair and other maintenance purposes.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic interfaces 1040 of theSPs 1038 may include an authentication system which is operative tovalidate that the application attempting to access the low levelfunctions of the device is authorized to do so. In one exemplaryembodiment of the authentication system, the diagnostic interface 1040is operative to detect that a valid hardware device such as a dongle isin operative connection with the ATM before an external application isgranted access to the transaction function device 1042 through thediagnostic interface 1040.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the authentication system, thediagnostic interface 1040 is operative to detect whether a valid licensekey is present. Such a license key for example may be located on aremovable media in operative connection with the ATM such as a floppydisk, CD, magnetic stripe card, smart card, or any other portable mediumthat the diagnostic interface is operative to access through themachine. The license key may also be associated with the specificapplication such as the diagnostic application 1044 that is operativelyprogrammed to access the diagnostic interfaces of SPs 1038.Communications from the diagnostic application may be required toinclude a valid license key before the diagnostic interface enables thediagnostic application to access the transaction function device.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the authentication system, thediagnostic interfaces 1040 may include a secret password or digitalcertificate which may be used by the diagnostic interface to determineif an application is allowed access to functions of a correspondingtransaction function device. For example, a diagnostic interface of a SPmay require communications from a diagnostic application to be digitallysigned. The diagnostic interface may then authenticate the digitalsignature associated with the communication using one or more digitalcertificates and/or public keys stored in operative connection with thediagnostic interface. When the digital signature is valid, thediagnostic interface is operative to enable the diagnostic applicationto access the transaction function device through the diagnosticinterface. When the digital signature is determined to be invalid, thediagnostic application is denied access to the transaction functiondevice by the diagnostic interface.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic application may berequired to send a valid digital certificate to the diagnostic interfaceprior to being granted access to the transaction function device. Thedigital certificate may be validated by the diagnostic interface using atrusted public key of a certificate authority that issued the digitalcertificate. The digital certificate may also be evaluated by thediagnostic interface to determine if it has expired. When the digitalcertificate has expired or is otherwise invalid, the exemplaryembodiment of the diagnostic interface may be operatively programmed toreturn a message to the calling application which indicates that thedigital certificate is not valid and access to the transaction functiondevice is denied. In further exemplary embodiments other software and/orhardware encryption and/or authentication systems may be combined withthe diagnostic interfaces of the SPs to enable the selective validationof users and/or applications attempting to access transaction functiondevices through communication with the diagnostic interfaces of SPs.

The described exemplary embodiment may further comprise a terminalManager 1046. The terminal Manager 1046 is a software application thatis operative to configure and manage the ATM through interaction withthe ODS layer.

FIG. 30, shows a further exemplary embodiment of an ATM 1500 whichincludes an XFS layer 1502. Here, the XFS layer may include anapplication interface portion 1504 and hardware interface portion 1506.The ATM may include one or more terminal applications 1508 such as auser interface application which provides selectable options throughinput and output devices of the ATM for enabling a user to performtransaction functions with the ATM. The user interface applications mayuse the previously described TEC components. In addition the ATM mayinclude the previously described ODS Layer 1509. As used herein the oneor more terminal applications, user interface applications 1508, TECcomponents, and/or the ODS layer 1509 shall be referred to as theapplication layer 1510 of the ATM. The application layer 1510 of the ATMis adapted to communicate with the application interface portion 5104 ofthe XFS layer.

In addition as discussed previously, the ATM may include a device driverlayer 1511 which may include the previously described XFS compatibledevice drivers such as the WOSA/XFS service providers 1513 or the J/XFSdevice services. In the exemplary embodiment the SPs may includeinterfaces which are compatible with the XFS 3.0 or other standard andare operative responsive to XFS layer communications from the hardwareinterface portion of the XFS layer to control the operation of hardwaredevices.

In addition in this described exemplary embodiment, the device driverlayer 1511 may include unified base release (UBR) components 1515. SuchUBR components may provide an additional layer of abstraction betweenthe SPs and the hardware devices 1518. One or more of the SPs may beprogrammed to control hardware devices through communication with UBRcomponents rather than directly communicating with one or more hardwaredevices. Thus, communication between the SPs and the hardware device maybe implemented through the UBR components. In the exemplary embodiment,there may be a one to one correspondence between each UBR component anda hardware device. However, it is to be understood that in alternativeexemplary embodiments, a UBR component may provide an interface to morethan one hardware device. Also in exemplary embodiments, the UBRcomponents may include the previously described diagnostic interface1040 (FIG. 28) which provides access to low level manipulation ofmotors, sensors, and other components of a hardware device independentlyof the XFS layer.

As used herein the device driver layer 1511 and the hardware devices1518 shall be referred to as the hardware layer 1512 of the ATM. Thehardware layer 1512 of the ATM is adapted to communicate with thehardware interface portion 1506 of the XFS layer. In the exemplaryembodiment, the application layer 1510 communicates with the XFS layerthrough calls to an application interface portion 1504 of the XFS layer.In response to the communications received with the applicationinterface portion 1504, the XFS layer communicates with the hardwarelayer 1512 through the hardware interface portion 1506 to cause one ormore functions to be performed by the hardware devices 1518.

FIG. 17 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of a softwarearchitecture which may be used in an ATM 2110. Here the exemplarysoftware architecture also includes at least one terminal application2100 which communicates with devices 2310-2313 of the ATM includingtransaction function devices through a device layer 2109 that includes amodule interface layer or framework 2108. In an exemplary embodiment theterminal application 2100 may include a proprietary terminal controlsoftware application for an ATM. However as shown in FIG. 18, in otherexemplary embodiment, the terminal application may correspond to an XFSenabled terminal application or application layer 2102 whichcommunicates with transaction function devices through the previouslydescribed elements of an XFS layer 2104, and SPs 2106. In this describedexemplary embodiment, the device driver layer 2109 includes the moduleinterface layer or framework 2108, and other associated device drivercomponents 2230, 2240, 2242, 2260, 2262 associated with the ATM hardwaredevices 2310-2313. For exemplary embodiments which include an XFS layer2104 (FIG. 18), the device driver layer further comprises the SPs 2106.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the module interface layer orframework 2108 like the previously described UBR 1515 in FIG. 5,provides an additional level of abstraction between the service providecomponents 2106 (FIG. 18) and the hardware devices 2310-2313. For nonXFS enabled terminal applications 2100 (FIG. 17), the module interfaceframework 2108 is likewise operative to provide an additional level ofabstraction between a proprietary terminal control software applicationand the hardware devices 2310-2313.

In the exemplary embodiment a module interface framework 2108 may becomprised of a plurality of software components operative in thecontroller 72 or other computer of the ATM. An exemplary moduleinterface framework may include a device server application or processoperating in the computer of the ATM which is referred to herein as adevice dispatcher and manager 2170 Terminal applications 2100 and/orservice provide components may be adapted to communicate with the devicedispatcher and manager 2170 through a module interface API 2120. In anexemplary embodiment, the module interface API may correspond to one ormore DLLs or other libraries which comprise standardized functions forcommunicating with the device dispatcher and manager 2170.

For one or more of the ATM hardware devices 2310-2313, the moduleinterface framework 2108 may include corresponding module interfacedevice components 2181-2184 such as DLLs or other device specificlibraries. The module interface device components may be operative toprovide device specific communications between the device dispatcher andmanager 2170 and the low level vendor specific device drivers 2230,2240, 2242, 2260, 2262 associated with the ATM hardware devices2310-2313.

For ATM hardware devices which are compatible with a plug and playarchitecture of an operation system of the ATM, the device dispatcherand manager 2170 may further be operative to receive hardware eventnotifications for ATM hardware device 2313 directly from the plug andplay manager 2280 of the operating system.

The described exemplary embodiment may further include a diagnosticapplication 2140 which communicates with ATM hardware devices throughthe same module interface framework as the terminal applications 2100and/or SPs 2106.

As with the diagnostic application 1044 described previously withrespect to FIG. 28, the diagnostics application 2140 is operative toperform various diagnostic functions with the hardware devices 2310-2313which are operative in the ATM. In the exemplary embodiment thediagnostics application 2140 operates in conjunction with the moduleinterface framework 2108 to permit low level manipulation and diagnostictesting of the transaction function devices, and may work in conjunctionwith a separate diagnostic article, as discussed in more detail below.

As with the terminal applications 2100 and/or SPs 2106, a diagnosticapplication 2140 accesses the module interface framework using themodule interface API 2120. The module interface API includes a standardset of functions which provide for both low and high level control oftransaction function devices. Here the low level functions of the moduleinterface API may correspond to the diagnostic interface 1040 discussedpreviously with respect FIG. 28.

A terminal application 2100, SP, and/or diagnostic application accessesthe one or more functions of the module interface API to communicate thedesired action or actions to the module interface dispatcher and manager2170. In response to this communication, the module interface dispatcherand manager is operative to selectively call the module interfacecomponents 2181-2184 associated with the hardware devices 2310-2313which may be required to perform requested action. The module interfacecomponents 2181-2184 are operative through the use of one or more DLLS2230, 2240, 2242, 2260, 2262 associated with the transaction functiondevices to direct the actions of the appropriate hardware devices2310-2313 through a USB port 2300, serial interface 2290, or otherhardware communication port of the ATM.

Because the module interface API 2120 uses a standard set of functions,the terminal application 2100, SP 2106, and/or diagnostic applicationcan be written to control the actions of the hardware devices 2310-2313without regard to which particular model or make for each type oftransaction function device will ultimately be incorporated in the ATM.Similarly, if a transaction function device later needs to be swappedout for a different transaction function device, the terminalapplication 2100, SP 2106, and/or diagnostic application may not requiremodification so long as the new device is operative to perform the samefunctions as the old device. In an exemplary embodiment, the moduleinterface API 2120 provides a wide range of functional control over thetransaction function devices.

In addition to providing high level control functions which causetransaction function devices to perform complete transaction functions,the module interface API 2120 also provides low level control functions.Such low level control functions may include for example outputting anaudible tone, turning on a motor, disabling a keypad, or other low leveloperations which may be used by a diagnostic application to accuratelydiagnose the cause of a high level malfunction.

The module interface components 2181-2184 may be similarly uniformlystandardized, with respect to the interface presented to the devicedispatcher and manager 2170. The use of a standardized interfacefacilitates creating an extensible device dispatcher and manager 2170,which can manage a plurality of hardware devices 2310-2313 withoutrequiring reprogramming each time a new hardware device 2310-2313 isadded.

When a new transaction function device is added, a new module interfacecomponent 2181-2184 may be added to the module interface framework toenable the device dispatcher and manager to communicate with the newvendor provided device driver DLL or library associated with the newdevice. On the other hand, if the vendor provided device driver iscompatible with a module interface component already incorporated in themodule interface framework, a new module interface component may not beneeded to operate the new transaction function device properly.

The described exemplary embodiment of the module interface framework2108 may use a callback function 2130 associated with the terminalapplication 2100, SP 2106, and/or diagnostic application 2140. When atransaction function device is to perform an action on a delayed basis(i.e., an asynchronous event) a high level application may be programmedto periodically poll the status of the device to determine if the actionor event has occurred. One example of an asynchronous event is when cashis to be presented to the customer for a fixed period, at the expirationof which period the cash is retrieved if the cash has not been taken bythe customer. A common method of determining whether the cash has beenwithdrawn is by repeated polling during the presentation period. Toeliminate the inefficiencies associated with periodically polling adevice, an exemplary embodiment of a terminal application, SP, ordiagnostic application may provide the device dispatcher and managerwith a callback function, which is called when the deleted action by thehardware device has completed.

For example an SP may through use of the module interface API register acall back function associated with the withdrawal of cash with thedevice dispatcher and manager. When the cash is later withdrawn, anotification is sent to the call back function from the devicedispatcher manager, eliminating the need for status polling by the SP todetermine whether the cash is still being offered to the customer.Similar call back functions of the terminal application, serviceprovider, or diagnostic application may be registered with the devicedispatcher and manager for receiving notification of events initiated bya transaction function device. Such events may correspond to unsolicitedstatus messages. For example, when a card reader device detects theinsertion of a card, the device may generate an unsolicited statusmessage which is detected by the device dispatcher and manager andcommunicated to the terminal application, SP, or diagnostic applicationusing a callback function registered to receive such messages.

Using the module interface API 2120, terminal application, SP and/ordiagnostic application registers expected unsolicited events with thedevice dispatcher and manager 2170 during an initialization process.Similarly, when the terminal application, SP and/or diagnosticapplication relinquishes control to a hardware device 2310-2313 forperformance of an asynchronous event, the event is registered with thedevice dispatcher and manager. When the device dispatcher and manager2170 subsequently experiences a registered event, through interactionwith a module interface device component 2181-2184, the devicedispatcher and manager 2170 delivers notification of the event to thecorrect callback function in accordance with the directions providedwhen the event was registered.

As schematically represented in FIG. 4, a controller 72 is in operativeconnection with at least one communications bus 92. The communicationsbus 92 may in some exemplary embodiments be a universal serial bus (USB)or other standard or nonstandard type of bus architecture. Thecommunications bus 92 is schematically shown in operative connectionwith transaction function devices 94. The transaction function devices94 include devices in the ATM which are used to carry out transactions.These may include for example the currency dispenser device 54, cardreader 26, receipt printer 44, keypad 32, as well as numerous otherdevices which are operative in the machine and controlled by thecontroller 72 to carry out transactions. In the exemplary embodiment oneof the transaction function devices 94 in operative connection with thecontroller is a diagnostic article reading device 96 which is laterdiscussed in detail, and which is operative to read a diagnostic articleschematically indicated 98 used in servicing the machine. As laterexplained, in an exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article 98comprises a CD which can be read by reader 96 as well as computer device100 which is not generally associated with the operation of the ATM 10.

In the exemplary embodiment of ATM 10 the first fascia portion 20 andthe second fascia portion 22 are independently movably mounted on theATM housing 12. This is accomplished through the use of hinges attachedto fascia portion 20. The opening of the fascia lock 50 on the firstfascia portion 20 enables the first fascia portion 20 to be moved to anopen position as shown in FIG. 5. In the open position of the firstfascia portion 20 an authorized user is enabled to gain access to afirst portion 102 in the upper housing area 14. In the exemplaryembodiment there is located within the first portion 102 a chest lockinput device 104. In this embodiment the chest lock input device 104comprises a manual combination lock dial, electronic lock dial or othersuitable input device through which a combination or other unlockinginputs or articles may be provided. In this exemplary embodiment inputof a proper combination enables the chest door 18 to be moved to an openposition by rotating the door about hinges 106. In the exemplaryembodiment the chest door 18 is opened once the proper combination hasbeen input by manipulating a locking lever 108 which is in operativeconnection with a boltwork. The boltwork which is not specificallyshown, may be of a conventional or unconventional type that is operativeto hold the chest door 18 in a locked position until the propercombination is input. Upon input of the correct combination the lockinglever enables movement of the boltwork so that the chest door 18 can beopened. The boltwork also enables the chest door 18 to be held lockedafter the activities in the chest portion 16 have been conducted and thechest door 18 is returned to the closed position. Of course in otherembodiments other types of mechanical or electrical locking mechanismsmay be used. In the exemplary embodiment the chest lock input device 104is in supporting connection with a generally horizontally extendingdividing wall 110 which separates the chest portion 16 from the upperhousing area 14. Of course this housing structure is exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

An authorized servicer who needs to gain access to an item, component ordevice of the ATM located in the chest portion 16 may do so by openingthe fascia lock 50 and moving the first fascia portion 20 so that thefirst portion 102 of the upper housing area 14 becomes accessible.Thereafter the authorized servicer may access and manipulate the chestlock input device 104 to receive one or more inputs, which ifappropriate enables unlocking of the chest door 18. The chest door 18may thereafter be moved relative to the housing and about its hinges 106to enable the servicer to gain access to items, devices or componentswithin the chest portion 16. These activities may include for exampleadding or removing currency, removing deposited items such as envelopesor checks, or repairing mechanisms or electrical devices that operate toenable the machine to accept deposited items or to dispense currency.When servicing activity within the chest portion 16 is completed, thechest door 18 may be closed and the locking lever 108 moved so as tosecure the boltwork holding the chest door 18 in a closed position. Ofcourse this structure and service method is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the second fascia portion 22 is also movablerelative to the housing of the machine. In the exemplary embodiment thesecond fascia portion 22 is movable in supporting connection with arollout tray 112 schematically shown in FIG. 3. The rollout tray isoperative to support components of the user interface thereon as well asthe second fascia portion 22. The rollout tray 112 enables the secondfascia portion 22 to move outward relative to the ATM housing therebyexposing components and transaction function devices supported on thetray and providing access to a second portion 114 within the upperhousing area 14 and positioned behind the second fascia portion 22. Thusas can be appreciated, when the second fascia portion 22 is movedoutward, the components on the rollout tray 112 are disposed outside thehousing of the machine so as to facilitate servicing, adjustment and/orreplacement of such components. Further components which remainpositioned within the housing of the machine as the rollout tray 112 isextended become accessible in the second portion 114 of the upperhousing area 14 as the second fascia portion 22 is disposed outward andaway from the housing.

In the exemplary embodiment the rollout tray 112 is in operativeconnection with a releasable locking device. The locking device isgenerally operative to hold the tray in a retracted position such thatthe second fascia portion 22 remains in an operative position adjacentto the upper housing area 14 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Thisreleasable locking mechanism may comprise one or more forms of lockingtype devices. In the exemplary embodiment the releasable lockingmechanism may be released by manipulation of an actuator 116 which isaccessible to an authorized user in the first portion 102 of the upperhousing area 14. As a result an authorized servicer of the machine isenabled to move the second fascia portion 22 outward for servicing byfirst accessing portion 102 in the manner previously discussed.Thereafter by manipulating the actuator 116 the second fascia portion 22is enabled to move outward as shown in phantom in FIG. 11 so as tofacilitate servicing components on the rollout tray 112. Such componentsmay include for example a printer or card reader. After such servicingthe second fascia portion 22 may be moved toward the housing so as toclose the second portion 114 of the upper housing area 14. Such movementin the exemplary embodiment causes the rollout tray 112 to be latchedand held in the retracted position without further manipulation of theactuator 116. However, in other embodiments other types of lockingmechanisms may be used to secure the rollout tray 112 in the retractedposition. It should be understood that this approach is exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

As best shown in FIG. 10 in which the components supported in the upperhousing area 14 are not shown, the delivery area 52 and the depositacceptance area 58 are in supporting connection with the chest door 18.As such when the chest door 18 is opened, the delivery area 52 and thedeposit acceptance area 58 will move relative to the housing of themachine. The exemplary embodiment shown facilitates servicing of themachine by providing for the illumination for the transaction areas byillumination sources positioned in supporting connection with therollout tray 112. As best shown in FIG. 6, these illumination sources118 are movable with the rollout tray 112 and illuminate in generally adownward direction in the operative position of the second fasciaportion 22 and the chest door 18. The illumination sources are generallyaligned with apertures 120 and 122 which extend through the top of acover 124 which generally surrounds the recessed pockets 60 and 5 6. Asshown in FIG. 10 aperture 120 is generally vertically aligned withwindow 68 and aperture 122 is generally aligned with window 70. In anexemplary embodiment apertures 120 and 122 each have a translucent ortransparent aperture cover positioned therein to minimize the risk ofthe introduction of dirt or other contaminants into the interior of thecover 124.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 11, when the chest door 18 isclosed and the second fascia portion 22 is moved to the operativeposition, the illumination sources 118 are positioned in generallyaligned relation with apertures 120 and 122. As a result theillumination of the illumination devices is operative to cause light tobe transmitted through the respective aperture 120, 122 and toilluminate the transaction area within the corresponding recessedpocket.

In operation of an exemplary embodiment, the controller 72 executesprogrammed instructions so as to initiate illumination of eachtransaction area at appropriate times during the conduct oftransactions. For example in the exemplary embodiment if the user isconducting a cash withdrawal transaction, the controller 72 may initiateillumination of the delivery area 52 when the cash is delivered thereinand is available to be taken by a user. Such illumination draws theuser's attention to the need to remove their cash and will point out tothe user that the cash is ready to be taken. In the exemplary embodimentthe controller 72 is programmed so that when the user takes their cashthe machine will move to the next transaction step. After the cash issensed as taken, the controller 72 may operate to cease illumination ofthe delivery area 52.

Likewise in an exemplary embodiment if a user of the machine indicatesthat they wish to conduct a deposit transaction, the controller 72 maycause the machine to operate to initiate illumination of the depositacceptance area 58. The user's attention is drawn to the place wherethey must insert the deposit envelope in order to have it be accepted inthe machine. In the exemplary embodiment the controller 72 may operateto also illuminate the illumination panel 62 to illuminate the depositenvelope providing opening 48 so that the user is also made aware of thelocation from which a deposit envelope may be provided. In an exemplaryembodiment the controller 72 may operate to cease illumination throughthe window 70 and/or the illumination panel 62 after the depositenvelope is indicated as being sensed within the machine.

In alternative embodiments other approaches may be taken. This mayinclude for example drawing the customer's attention to the particulartransaction area by changing the nature of the illumination in therecessed pocket to which the customer's attention is to be drawn. Thismay be done for example by changing the intensity of the light, flashingthe light, changing the color of the light or doing other actions whichmay draw a user's attention to the appropriate transaction area.Alternatively or in addition, a sound emitter, vibration, projecting pinor other indicator may be provided for visually impaired users so as toindicate to them the appropriate transaction area to which thecustomer's attention is to be drawn. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated the exemplary embodiment enables one or moreillumination devices which are movable relatively with respect to thearea to be illuminated to be used without the need for additional movingwiring harnesses or other releasable connectors. In addition theexemplary location of the illumination device 118, extending on theunderside of the rollout tray 112 facilitates changing the illuminationdevice 118 by extending the rollout tray 112 in the manner previouslydiscussed and as is shown in FIG. 11. Of course it should be understoodthat the principles described can be applied to numerous types ofbanking machine structures and configurations which may be encompassedby the claims presented herein.

As previously discussed the exemplary embodiment of ATM 10 is alsooperative to draw a user's attention at appropriate times to the cardreader slot 28. ATM 10 also includes features to minimize the risk ofunauthorized interception of card data by persons who may attempt toinstall an unauthorized card reading device on the machine. As shown inFIG. 14, the exemplary card slot 28 extends through a card slot housing66 which extends in generally surrounding relation of the card slot 28.It should be understood that although the housing 66 generally boundsthe entire card slot 28, in other embodiments the principles describedherein may be applied by bounding only one or more sides of a card slot28 as may be appropriate for detecting unauthorized card readingdevices. Further, it should be understood that while the exemplaryembodiment is described in connection with a card reader that accepts acard into the machine, the principles being described may be applied totypes of card readers that do not accept a card into the machine, suchas readers where a user draws the card through a slot, inserts andremoves a card manually from a slot and other card reading structures.

In the exemplary embodiment the housing 66 includes a plurality ofradiation emitting devices 126. In the exemplary embodiment theradiation emitting devices 126 emit visible radiation which can beperceived by a user of the machine. However, in other embodiments theradiation emitting devices 126 may include devices which emit nonvisibleradiation such as infrared radiation, but which nonetheless can be usedfor sensing the presence of unauthorized card reading devices adjacentto the card slot 28. In the exemplary embodiment the controller 72operates to illuminate the radiation emitting devices 126 at appropriatetimes during the transaction sequence. This may include for exampletimes during transactions when a user is prompted to input their cardinto the machine or alternatively when a user is prompted to take theircard from the card slot 28. In various embodiments the controller 72 maybe programmed to provide solid illumination of the radiation emittingdevices 126 or may vary the intensity of the devices as appropriate todraw the user's attention to the card slot 28.

In the exemplary embodiment the card slot housing 66 includes thereinone or more radiation sensing devices 128. The radiation sensing devices128 are positioned to detect changes in the radiation reflected from theradiation emitting devices 126. The radiation sensing devices 128 are inoperative connection with the controller 72. The controller 72 isoperative to compare one or more values corresponding to the magnitudeof reflected radiation sensed by one or more of the radiation sensingdevices 128, to one or more stored values and to make a determinationwhether the comparison is such that there is a probable unauthorizedcard reading device installed on the fascia of the machine. In someembodiments the controller 72 may be operative to execute fuzzy logicprogramming for purposes of determining whether the nature of the changein reflected radiation is such that there has been an unauthorizeddevice installed and whether appropriate personnel should be notified.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the housing 66. An unauthorized cardreading device 130 is shown attached externally to the housing 66. Theunauthorized card reading device 130 includes a slot 132 generallyaligned with card reader slot 28. The device 130 also includes a sensorshown schematically as 134 which is operative to sense the encodedmagnetic flux reversals which represent data on the magnetic stripe of acredit or debit card. As can be appreciated, an arrangement of the typeshown in FIG. 15 enables the sensor 134 if properly aligned adjacent tothe magnetic stripe of a card, to read the card data as the card passesin and out of card reader slot 28. Such an unauthorized reading device130 may be connected via RF or through inconspicuous wiring to otherdevices which enable interception of the card data. In some situationscriminals may also endeavor to observe the input of the user's PINnumber corresponding to the card data so as to gain access to theaccount of the user.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 15 the installation of the unauthorizedcard reading device 130 changes the amount of radiation from emittingdevices 126 and that is reflected to the sensors 128. Depending on thenature of the device and its structure, the amount of reflectedradiation may increase or decrease. However, a detectable change willoften occur in the magnitude of sensed radiation between a presenttransaction and a prior transaction which was conducted prior to anunauthorized card reading device 130 being installed.

FIG. 16 demonstrates a simplified logic flow executed by a controllerfor detecting the installation of an unauthorized card reading device.It should be understood that this transaction logic is part of theoverall operation of the machine to carry out transactions. In thisexemplary logic flow the machine operates to carry out card readingtransactions in a normal manner and to additionally execute therepresented steps as a part of such logic each time a card is read. Froman initial step 136 the controller in the machine is operative to sensethat a card is in the reader within the machine in a step 138. Generallyin these circumstances the controller will be operating the radiationemitting devices 126 as the user inserts their card and the card isdrawn into the machine. In this exemplary embodiment the controllercontinues to operate the radiation emitting devices and senses theradiation level or levels sensed by one or more sensors 128. This isdone in a step 140.

The controller is next operative to compare the signals corresponding tothe sensed radiation levels to one or more values in a step 142. Thiscomparison may be done a number of ways and may in some embodimentsemploy fuzzy logic so as to avoid giving false indications due toacceptable conditions such as a user having their finger adjacent to thecard slot 28 during a portion of the transaction. In the case of auser's fingers for example, the computer may determine whether anunauthorized reading device is installed based on the nature, magnitudeand changes during a transaction in sensed radiation, along withappropriate programmed weighing factors. Of course various approachesmay be used within the scope of the concept discussed herein. However,based on the one or more comparisons in step 142 the controller isoperative to make a decision at step 144 as to whether the differencebetween sensed value(s) from step 140 and the stored value(s) have adifference that is in excess of one or more thresholds which suggeststhat an unauthorized card reading device has been installed.

If the comparison does not indicate a result that exceeds thethreshold(s) the ATM transaction function devices are run as normal asrepresented in a step 146. Further in the exemplary embodiment, thecontroller may operate to adjust the stored values as a function of morerecent readings. This may be appropriate in order to compensate for theeffects of dirt on the fascia or loss of intensity of the emittingdevices or other factors. This is represented in a step 148. Asrepresented in step 150 the controller operates the ATM to conducttransaction steps in the usual manner.

If in step 144 the difference between the sensed and stored valuesexceeds the threshold(s), then this is indicative that an unauthorizedcard reading device may have been installed since the last transaction.In the exemplary embodiment when this occurs, the controller isoperative to present a warning screen to the user as represented in astep 152. This warning screen may be operative to advise the user thatan unauthorized object has been set adjacent to the card reader slot.This may warn a user for example that a problem is occurring.Alternatively if a user has inadvertently placed innocently some objectadjacent to the card reader slot, then the user may withdraw it. Inaddition or in the alternative, further logic steps may be executed suchas prompting a user to indicate whether or not they can see theradiation emitting devices being illuminated adjacent to the card slotand prompting the user to provide an input to indicate if such items arevisible. Additionally or in the alternative, the illuminating deviceswithin the housing 66 may be operative to cause the emitting devices tooutput words or other symbols which a user can indicate that they cansee or cannot see based on inputs provided as prompts from outputdevices of the machine. This may enable the machine to determine whetheran unauthorized reading device has been installed or whether the sensedcondition is due to other factors. It may also cause a user to note theexistence of the reading device and remove it. Of course variousapproaches could be taken depending on the programming of the machine.

If an unauthorized reading device has been detected, the controller inthe exemplary embodiment will also execute a step 154 in which a statusmessage is sent to an appropriate service provider or other entity toindicate the suspected problem. In a step 156 the controller will alsooperate to record data identifying the particular transaction in whichthere has been suspected interception of the card holder's card data. Inaddition or in the alternative, a message may be sent to the bank orother institution alerting them to watch for activity in the user's cardaccount for purposes of detecting whether unauthorized use is occurring.Alternatively or in addition, some embodiments may include card readersthat change, add or write data to a user's card in cases of suspectedinterception. Such changed data may be tracked or otherwise used toassure that only a card with the modified data is useable thereafter.Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the modified card maybe moved in transverse relation, moved irregularly or otherwise handledto reduce the risk that modified data is intercepted as the card isoutput from the machine. Of course these approaches are exemplary ofmany that may be employed.

In the exemplary embodiment the ATM is operated to conduct a transactioneven in cases where it is suspected that an unauthorized card readingdevice has been installed. This is represented in a step 158. However,in other embodiments other approaches may be taken such as refusing toconduct the transaction. Other steps may also be taken such as capturingthe user's card and advising the user that a new one will be issued.This approach may be used to minimize the risk that unauthorizedtransactions will be conducted with the card data as the card can bepromptly invalidated. Of course other approaches may be taken dependingon the programming of the machine and the desires of the systemoperator.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 is a machine that is generallyconstructed for outdoor use and operation. As such it may be subjectedto extremes of temperatures. However, the components of the ATM such asthe controller, currency dispenser, display and other items may besensitive to temperature and may begin to malfunction if the temperaturewithin the housing of the machine becomes too hot or too cold.

In the exemplary embodiment the display 36 comprises a high illuminationflat panel type display. Some types of such displays generateconsiderable heat which if not properly dissipated can cause hightemperatures and damage components of the machine. In the exemplaryembodiment the risk of such damage is reduced by providing air flowcooling through the housing of the machine, and specifically byproviding air flow inside the housing within the area adjacent thedisplay 36.

As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary embodiment of ATM 10 includes an aircooling opening 160. In the exemplary embodiment the air cooling opening160 extends between the top wall 162 of the second fascia portion 22 anda baffle structure 164 which is fixedly attached to the housing of themachine. As further explained in detail hereafter, the baffle structure164 is operative to enable cooling air flow to pass through the housingaround the rear and sides of the display 36 and to pass out of thehousing through the opening 160. However, the exemplary baffle structure164 is operative to minimize the risk of infiltration of moisture suchas liquid water, droplets, snow, condensation and other contaminantsinto the interior area of the housing. Further, the exemplary bafflestructure 164 is adapted to direct contaminants to the outside of thehousing so as to avoid the accumulation thereof on the baffle.

The exemplary baffle structure 164 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7.The exemplary baffle structure 164 includes a vertically extending wallportion 166 that extends upward adjacent to the machine housing. Asshown in FIG. 7 in the exemplary baffle structure 164, the verticallyextending wall portion 166 extends above the generally flat top surface168 of the housing. The exemplary baffle 164 further includes an arcuatesurface 170. The arcuate surface 170 extends generally forward of thewall portion 166. In the operative position of the rollout tray 112represented in FIG. 6, the arcuate surface 170 overlies the display 36in a generally shroud like fashion.

In the exemplary embodiment the arcuate surface 170 has at the forwardand side peripheries thereof, a lip 172. The lip 172 is operative tocatch and direct moisture and other contaminants that may collect on thebaffle structure 164 toward the area of the baffle structure 164adjacent to the wall portion 166. Further as shown in FIG. 7, thearcuate surface 170 is generally angled to direct moisture toward thesurface of the wall portion 166.

Positioned adjacent to the surface wall portion 166 is a moisturecollecting trough 174. The moisture collecting trough 174 is operativeto capture moisture and other contaminants that move toward the wall 166and to direct them to the side of the arcuate surface and to theexterior of the housing in a manner that is later discussed. In theexemplary embodiment of the baffle structure 164, there are a pluralityof fin portions 176 that extend generally outward from the arcuatesurface 170. The fin portions 176 are generally disposed forward awayfrom the wall portion 166 so as to avoid interfering with the flow ofmaterial through the moisture collecting trough 174. As can beappreciated the fin portions 176 are operative to direct air flow whichpasses across the baffle structure 164 as well as to minimize thepotential cross flow of moisture across the arcuate surface 170 exceptin the area of the moisture collecting trough 174.

As shown in FIG. 8 when the second fascia portion 122 is moved to theoperative position, the air cooling opening 160 extends generallybetween the top wall 162 of the second fascia portion 22 and the forwardface of the vertically extending wall portion 166. This elongatedopening provides sufficient area for air flow as required formaintaining the interior of the housing within the desired temperaturerange. Further, the configuration of the fascia portion 22 and thebaffle structure 164 in the operative position causes the moisturecollecting trough 174 to direct moisture and contaminants collectedtherein to the outside of the ATM housing through a base area 178 of theair cooling opening 160. This minimizes the opportunities for water andother contaminants to collect within the machine. As will beappreciated, the second fascia portion 22 and baffle structure 164 aresymmetrical and thus the exemplary structure enables contaminants toexit from the housing of the machine on the sides of the first andsecond fascia portions 20, 22.

As shown in FIG. 9 the exemplary embodiment facilitates air flow throughthe machine for cooling purposes by providing an air opening 180 at therear of the chest portion 16. As can be appreciated the air opening 180is appropriately protected so as to prevent attack therethrough into thechest portion 16 of the housing. The air opening 16 is operativelyconnected through appropriate filters or other devices to one or moreblowers 182. The blowers 182 are operative to provide forced air flowthrough the housing. In addition in exemplary embodiments of theinvention heating and cooling devices may also be provided in proximityto the blowers so as to facilitate maintaining appropriate temperatureswithin the housing. Such devices may include for example, heat pumps,Peltier devices and other suitable devices for cooling, heating orotherwise conditioning air that flows through the housing. Appropriatesensors and other controls may be operated within the housing tomaintain the components in the housing within a suitable temperatureand/or humidity range.

In the exemplary embodiment a duct 184 is provided between the chestportion 16 and the upper housing area 14. The duct 184 enables air flowbetween the chest portion 16 and upper housing area 14 so as tofacilitate the cooling or heating of components in both sections of thehousing. As can be appreciated for purposes of maintaining the displayin an appropriate temperature condition, air may be passed from the airopening 180 and through the duct 184 into the upper housing area 14. Thepositive pressure produced by the blower and the upper housing area 14causes air flow through the upper housing area 14 and through the aircooling opening 160. In such circumstances air is directed around therear and sides of the display 36 past the baffle structure 164 and outthe opening 160. Alternatively under appropriate circumstances theblowers may be operated to reverse the air flow in which case the heatgenerated by a display 36 may be captured within the machine so as tosupplement the heating capabilities of heaters within the machine toavoid components from becoming too cold. As can be appreciated in someembodiments the controller of the machine or other controllers may beoperated to control the direction and rates of the blowers as well asthe heating and cooling devices so as to maintain the interior of thehousing within the appropriate temperature range. In the exemplaryembodiment the structure of the display, baffle structure and secondfascia portion facilitate cooling (and heating) the display and othercomponents while minimizing the risk of the introduction of contaminantsinto the machine.

As can also be appreciated from the previous discussion, the bafflestructure 164 is mounted in generally fixed relation with the housing.As a result the extension of the rollout tray 112 enables the display 36and other components supported on the tray 112 to be extended outsidethe housing and away from the baffle structure 164 so as to facilitateservicing. Once such servicing is conducted the rollout tray 112 andsecond fascia portion 22 may be retracted so that the display 36 againmoves in underlying relation of the baffle structure 164 and with thebaffle structure 164 extended in intermediate relation between thedisplay 64 and the air cooling opening 160 so as to provide protection.Of course it should be understood that these structures are exemplaryand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the ATM 10 is provided with enhanceddiagnostic capabilities as well as the ability for servicers to morereadily perform remedial and preventive maintenance on the machine. Thisis accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by programming the controllerand/or alternatively distributed controllers and processors associatedwith the transaction function devices, to sense and capture diagnosticdata concerning the operation of the various transaction functiondevices. In an exemplary embodiment this diagnostic data includes morethan an indication of a disabling malfunction. In some embodiments andwith regard to some transaction function devices, the data may includefor example instances of speed, intensity, deflection, vacuum, force,friction, pressure, sound, vibration, wear, cycles, power draw,calibration changes, recovery actions, or other parameters that may beof significance for purposes of detecting conditions that may bedeveloping with regard to the machine and the transaction functiondevices contained therein. The nature of the diagnostic data that may beobtained will depend on the particular transaction function devices andthe capabilities thereof as well as the programming of the controllerswithin the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment the controller is operative to process datarepresentative of the condition of the various transaction functiondevices and to store such information in one or more data stores. Insome embodiments the data may be stored in a protected form. In anexemplary embodiment the protected form of the information is such thatpersons who are not authorized and do not have a suitable diagnosticarticle are not able to obtain access to such data. The nature of theprotection used for the data may include in some cases, encryption,storing such data in a memory device which erases the data in the eventof tampering, or in other forms so as to protect such data fromunauthorized persons.

In an exemplary embodiment authorized servicers are enabled to utilizethe diagnostic data and to facilitate remedial and preventivemaintenance on the machine by being issued a diagnostic article such asdiagnostic article 98 previously mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 4.In the exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article is computer readablemedia such as a CD which may be operatively engaged with a diagnosticarticle reading device 96 such as a CD drive. Of course it should beunderstood that in other embodiments the diagnostic article may haveother forms and may include for example a portable terminal such as aPDA or cell phone or may be a portable storage device such as a plug inUSB memory module or smart card.

In the exemplary embodiment engaging the diagnostic article in operativeconnection with the controller enables a servicer to obtain access tothe diagnostic data as well as to access information from the articlewhich provides an indication of the significance of the diagnostic databeing received. In an exemplary embodiment the diagnostic articleincludes service manual data which can be output through an outputdevice of the ATM or other terminal, and which a servicer can utilize ina manner similar to repair instructions and other information which areusable to conduct servicing operations on the ATM. Further, in anexemplary embodiment, the diagnostic article includes diagnosticinstructions that are operative to interpret results of diagnostic testsor operations that can be performed through operation of the controller.

In the exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article includes instructionswhich may be utilized by and interact with the controller of themachine. This enables the servicer to utilize the diagnostic data aswell as service data from the diagnostic article to provide outputindicia through an output device which may suggest to a servicer certaindiagnostic tests. The controller may then be operated to enable a userto provide inputs through one or more input devices of the machinecorresponding to such diagnostic tests. These diagnostic instructionswhich are included in the service data on the diagnostic article causethe controller to interact with the transaction function devices and toproduce one or more results. Responsive to such results the controllerin the machine is operative to cause the output of indicia which mayindicate the result(s) to a servicer. Further responsive to theresult(s) and the service data on the diagnostic article, the controllermay operate to cause the output of indicia corresponding to otherdiagnostic tests which may be conducted as well as service or remedialactions which a servicer should consider taking in order to fix existingproblems or minimize the risk of future ones. In an exemplary embodimentthe service data included in the diagnostic article can be used to guidea servicer through service activities as well as to interact with thecontroller and provide servicer interaction at the machine so as toobtain test results and enable diagnosis of conditions within themachine. In addition, the exemplary embodiment of the service articlewhen in operative connection with the controller, enables the output ofindicia which may comprise textual, audible or graphical information soas to facilitate servicing activities at the machine by the servicer.

In the exemplary embodiment of the service article, the article providesto the controller one or more secret codes, commands, results or otherthings, all of which are referred to herein for brevity as secret codes.Such secret codes are analyzed through operation of the controller todetermine if the diagnostic article is authorized. In some embodimentsthe controller may operate to require a user to input information whichis utilized in making a determination as to whether the article isauthorized. Such input user information may include for example, inputcodes to input devices on the machine or biometric inputs. In additionor in the alternative the secret codes which are derived from thediagnostic article may be time, machine, or device specific. Forexample, the particular diagnostic article may have secret codes whichindicate that it is operative only during certain time periods or beforeor after a particular date. The controller in the ATM may operate tocarry out a calendar function which provides a current date. The ATMcontroller may utilize the secret codes from the diagnostic article toproduce one or more values which are compared to verification data whichis produced responsive to time or date data so as to produce acomparison result. The controller may thereafter enable the output ofdiagnostic data or significance data for the performance of activitiesbased on the comparison result indicating that the diagnostic articleand/or user are authorized.

In some exemplary embodiments the service data included in thediagnostic article may be encrypted. Such encryption may include variousstandard or nonstandard techniques so as to reduce the risk ofunauthorized users being able to access such service data. In theexemplary embodiment the controller at the ATM is operative to decryptthe service data so as to enable its utilization in conductingdiagnostic activities and to enable the output of indicia correspondingthereto through output devices either on the machine or through anoutput device at a separate terminal.

Further in some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic article may includebrowser software. Such browser software may be loaded to the controllerin the ATM and may be operative therein to provide output indicia as aresult of processing the service data through the browser. In someembodiments such a browser may be programmed to interpret embeddedinstructions in the service data that do not conform to publishedstandards and/or which are generally nonpublic. Such embeddedinstructions may be processed by the browser so as to output indiciausable in servicing the machine as well as to cause the controller tointeract with transaction function devices within the machine so as toconduct diagnostic activities. The use of such nonstandard browsersoftware further enhances security associated with the diagnosticarticle as well as the machine.

In addition in some embodiments the diagnostic article and/or the datastored in the ATM may contain instructions so as to prevent continuedoperation of the browser software and/or retention of the service datafrom the diagnostic article in memory after the diagnostic article isoperatively disconnected from the controller. Such instructions may beutilized to minimize the risk that service data from the diagnosticarticle, the browser software or other instructions contained therein,continue to be operational in the machine after the authorized servicerhas removed the diagnostic article from operative connection with thecontroller.

In addition in some exemplary embodiments the diagnostic article may beconfigured such that it may be used in conjunction with computer devicesother than an automated banking machine. For example in circumstanceswhere the diagnostic article includes service manual data, authorizedusers may be able to utilize the diagnostic article to obtain electronicservice manual documentation from a computing device such as a notebookcomputer, PDA or cell phone. In such circumstances diagnosticinstructions included in the diagnostic article that would otherwiseinteract with the machine controller and/or transaction function devicesincluded in the ATM, will not be operative in another type of computingdevice. In such exemplary embodiments it may be appropriate however toprevent access to the service manual data contained on the diagnosticarticle unless the secret codes are determined to be appropriate throughcorrespondence with time data inputs from a user or other appropriateverification data which indicates that access to the service manual datais authorized.

It should be understood that these approaches and techniques areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches, techniques andcapabilities may be used.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an exemplary schematic logic flow associated withverifying the authorized character of the diagnostic article such as aCD in an ATM. It should be appreciated that in the exemplary embodimentthe diagnostic article reading device such as the exemplary CD reader 96will generally be positioned within the housing of the ATM and may bewithin the secure chest so that only authorized service personnel areable to gain access thereto. This may further help to assure that onlythose who may properly gain access to the interior portions of thehousing may conduct the service activity which may include being able toaccess valuable documents, sensitive customer data, or otherinformation.

As represented in FIG. 12, once a servicer has gained access to thediagnostic article reading device, the controller may operate in a step186 to provide output indicia through an output device of the ATMprompting a servicer to provide an input to enter a diagnostics mode. Ifin a step 188 an input to enter the diagnostics mode is provided, thecontroller is then operative to check if a diagnostic article disk ispresent in a step 190. If no disk is present in the diagnostic articlereading device, the controller is operative to provide indicia throughan output device indicating to the servicer that no disk is present.This is done at a step 192 when the controller returns the logic to theprompting step 186.

If a diagnostic article is determined to be present in a step 190, thecontroller is operative to cause data to be read from the article in astep 194. In the exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article providessecret codes which are also encrypted and the controller is operative todecrypt the data to a usable form in a step 196. In step 196 thecontroller is operative to compare data corresponding to at least one ofthe secret codes to verification data for purposes of making adetermination as to whether the diagnostic article is valid. This isdone in a step 198. As previously discussed, the verification data invarious embodiments may be derived from information stored in memory inthe machine, date data, inputs provided by a user, or other data whichis operative to generally reliably verify that the diagnostic article isauthorized and is being used within the scope of its permitted use. Ifin step 198 it is determined that the diagnostic article is invalid,indicia is output to the user through an output device of the machine toindicate that the diagnostic article is invalid. This is done at a step200 and the logic returns to the prompting step.

If in step 198 the disk is determined to be valid, the exemplaryembodiment causes the controller to operate in accordance with itsprogramming to provide output indicia which prompts the user to input IDdata. This is done at a step 202. The user then provides at least oneinput to at least one input device on the ATM at a step 204. Thecontroller is then operative to cause a verification step 206 to beexecuted to determine if the ID input by the user is valid. In variousembodiments the determination as to whether the user ID is valid may bebased on the secret code data, date data, stored data, or combinationsor relationships thereof which operate to assure that access is limitedto authorized users. If the input from the user is determined not to bevalid, the controller is operative to output indicia indicative thereofto an output device as represented at a step 208 when the controllerreturns the logic flow.

If the user ID data input is valid as determined in step 206, thecontroller is operative to read the diagnostic article. As previouslydiscussed in some embodiments this may include loading browser softwarefrom the diagnostic article into a memory in operative connection withthe controller. Alternatively or in addition this may also involvedecrypting encrypted service data or instructions from the diagnosticarticle. In the exemplary embodiment such activities are carried out andthe controller operates to display a menu responsive to the service dataincluded on the diagnostic article. This is done in a step 210.

In the exemplary embodiment of the diagnostic article, the controller inthe ATM or the processor of the computer device in cases where thediagnostic article is not being used in the ATM, is operative to operateto execute a testing step to determine if the diagnostic article is inoperative connection with an ATM. This is represented as a step 210 inFIG. 13. In the exemplary embodiment the diagnostic article containsinstructions which enable the accessing of diagnostic data stored in theATM and enable the utilization thereof in connection with conductingservice activities. Logic flow may be derived at least in part frominstructions on the diagnostic article. If such diagnostic data andtransaction function devices are not present in a computing devicebecause it is not an ATM, the logic flow may vary to accommodate use inthe non-ATM computing device. For purposes of carrying on thedescription of the logic flow it will be presumed that the determinationin step 210 properly indicates in the circumstances described that thediagnostic article is in operative connection with the ATM. This thencauses the controller in the ATM to operate responsive to the diagnosticarticle to render diagnostic data accessible, as well as to provideoutput indicia on output devices on the ATM corresponding to menuoptions and selections which are available for conducting activities atthe ATM.

The servicer then makes appropriate selections as represented in a step212 which are responsive to the menu option and selections outputsproduced in response to the operation of the controller. This mayinclude for example a selection indicating that the servicer wants todetermine the nature of any anomalies which currently exist or whichhave existed in the operation of transaction function devices in theATMs. Of course other options for the servicer may also be provided inaccordance with the programming of the controller and instructions onthe diagnostic article.

In response to a user indicating that they wish to receive informationabout malfunctions or anomalies in the operation of the ATM, thecontroller is operative to cause indicia to be output through an outputdevice on the machine corresponding to such information, as well assuggested diagnostic tests that could be performed at the ATM in orderto determine the cause or nature of the malfunction or anomaly. This isrepresented in a step 214. In response to the output the servicerprovides an input indicative of the action that the servicer wishes tohave conducted. This input may be provided through one or more inputdevices on the ATM. Such input devices may be included in a specialservicer interface, but in some embodiments input devices of the ATMgenerally used by consumers may be used for this purpose.

Inputs from the servicer in step 216 would generally cause thecontroller to interact with one or more transaction function devices tocarry out a diagnostic test and to receive a result of the test. This isrepresented by a step 218. Responsive to the result of the diagnostictest and/or service data, the controller is operative to provide outputindicia to the servicer. This output indicia may include information onthe outcome of the test or may indicate that further tests should beconducted. This is represented by a step 220. Such further steps may becarried out as appropriate for purposes of diagnosing the particularcondition(s) of interest in the machine. These further steps may involvein the exemplary embodiment, receiving instructions from the servicer.The controller responsive thereto, interacts with the transactionfunction devices in the machine and the service data from the diagnosticarticle so as to direct the diagnostic activities. Such activities areschematically represented through a series of steps indicated 222.

The fault or other condition which is sought to be detected, correctedor otherwise addressed will be detected, corrected or otherwiseaddressed by the controller operating responsive to the service data andthe diagnostic data. This is represented in a step 224. In an exemplaryembodiment, once this is accomplished, a servicer may conduct additionaldiagnostic activity by interacting with the machine. However, in thisexemplary series of steps, it will be considered that the servicer hascompleted his activities and wishes to return the machine to service. Indoing this the servicer will provide appropriate inputs to the machineand will remove the diagnostic article from operative connection withthe controller. This is represented in a step 226. Such action isoperative to take the ATM out of the diagnostics mode and to preventadditional access to diagnostic data within the machine. Such actionwill also generally cease the operation of any special browser softwareassociated with the service article as well as any diagnostic programswhich are only operated when the service article is engaged with themachine. Thereafter the controller operates to return control of the ATMmachine to the application. This is represented in a step 228.

As can be appreciated, the exemplary embodiment provides for servicedata, such as diagnostic instructions and other diagnostic activitiesthat may be described in service manuals or other instructions or data,to interact with the controller of the machine. In the exemplaryembodiment this enables a servicer not only to receive indiciacorresponding to what a servicer should do in order to conduct aparticular test, but also to provide instructions to the controllerbased on the service data so that the controller can conduct a test.Further, in appropriate situations the result of the test may beutilized to direct a servicer to the appropriate remedial action or to adifferent test within the service data so as to complete the servicingactivity as quickly as possible. Such capabilities, particularly whencombined with the availability of the diagnostic data concerningtransaction function devices stored in the machine, enables moreaccurate and rapid identification and correction of problems so that themachine may be returned to service.

As previously mentioned, in the exemplary embodiment the diagnosticarticle may also be operated as an electronic service manual within acomputer device other than an ATM.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, access to service data which is included onthe service article may be restricted in a manner similar to thatemployed when the service article is used in conjunction with an ATM.This is done through appropriate programming and interaction with anon-ATM computer device. However, as indicated in step 210, when it isdetermined that the service article is not operating within an ATM, theservice article operates in a display mode only as indicated at a step230. In the display mode the service data is provided to a user in amanner similar to an electronic service manual. Thus the user may beable to browse selectively through the information review and to thetextual material and diagrams associated therewith. However, when thediagnostic article is operated in display mode only, diagnosticinstructions that would otherwise cause the controller of the ATM tointeract with transaction function devices are not operative to performfunctions within a non-ATM computer device. It should be appreciated,however, that being able to use the exemplary diagnostic article inconjunction with another type of computer device may facilitateservicing in some circumstances. In some embodiments the controller maybe programmed to provide access to diagnostic capabilities to a remotecomputer device through a network. Such capabilities may be provided insome circumstances when the diagnostic article is installed or otherwiseoperative in the remote computer device. This may avoid the need in someembodiments for a servicer to travel to the machine to physicallyconnect the diagnostic article with an article reading device such as areader. Rather, the diagnostic activities may be conducted remotely soas to facilitate identifying any issues and to minimize machinedowntime.

It should be understood that although in the exemplary embodiment thediagnostic article is described as a CD or other read-only device, inother embodiments the diagnostic article may be another type of device.This may include, for example, a portable terminal such as a notebookcomputer, PDA, cell phone, or other suitable article which can beverified as genuine and which can provide the service data and theinstructions to facilitate carrying out diagnostic activities.

In some alternative embodiments the diagnostic article may be utilizedin a system that enables remote communication with the ATM. For example,the diagnostic article may be utilized in conjunction with a remotecomputer that is operatively connected to the ATM through a network. Insome examples the operation and logic may be similar to that previouslydescribed except that instead of the diagnostic article being adjacentto the ATM it communicates with the ATM controller through the network.In some embodiments the messages through the network may be encrypted toprovide enhanced security.

For example in some embodiments the controller may be programmed so thata diagnostic article which is a CD, hard disk or other computer readablemedia resides on a computer remote from the ATM. The remote computerincludes output and input devices that operate to provide outputs andinputs similar to that previously described when diagnosing conditionsat the ATM. In this way a remote servicer may diagnose and possiblychange, adjust or correct conditions at the ATM. In some embodiments theservice manual data and diagnostic data may also be utilized by theremote servicer in conjunction with the service activities. The one ormore secret codes or other means used to gain access to diagnostic dataand other values or functions may be those from the diagnostic articleand/or inputs by the user to the remote computer, or may be a functionof other values from the user and/or remote computing device. In someembodiments the ability to conduct service activity locally or remotelymay be provided to facilitate servicing of the ATM. Further, in somealternative embodiments the remote servicer may work in conjunction witha local servicer in diagnosing aspects of the machine. In someembodiments the local servicer may be associated with the remoteservicer. In other embodiments the remote servicer and local servicermay be associated with different entities.

For example, in some circumstances an owner or operator of the ATM maychoose to perform service and maintenance on the ATM themselves, or tohave a service company not associated with the ATM manufacturer performsuch service. This may be done as a cost saving activity by the machineowner or operator who may be capable of fixing simple problems eitherdirectly through their own service organization or through anotherservicer.

However, upon encountering more complex problems the ATM owner, operatoror servicer may need the benefits of more sophisticated diagnosticcapabilities. In such circumstances, the assistance may be requestedfrom another service operation such as the ATM manufacturer or otherentity capable of providing more sophisticated or proprietary diagnosticand/or service capabilities on a remote basis. This may be done in someembodiments by using a communications interface between the ATM and theremote service system which can provide the diagnostic or servicecapability. In some embodiments communication may be achieved between aperson at the ATM and the remote service system may be achieved by othercommunication devices such as a cell phone or laptop computer withwireless modem.

In an exemplary embodiment, the remote diagnostic and testingcapabilities for the ATM enables online communication with the remotesystem to test the ATM and diagnose possible problems in a mannersimilar to that previously described. In some embodiments, thecommunication with the person at the machine may enable the person atthe machine to make repairs or take other remedial actions. This may befacilitated in some embodiments by the use of outputs such as graphicsshowing machine components and remedial procedures and/or simulatedhuman voice instructions output through output devices on the ATM. Suchoutputs may be used to guide the person at the machine to conduct checksand/or to take remedial action. In some embodiments, the ATMmanufacturer's service center may provide human assistance in connectionwith the testing and remedial action. In other embodiments, the testingand remedial guidance capability may be provided on an automated basisfrom the manufacturer's service system. In other embodiments, theassistance may include combinations of human assistance as well as anautomated interface for providing diagnostic and remedial guidance.

In some embodiments, servicers may be charged fees for the use of theremote diagnostic and remedial service capability. Such fees may bepaid, for example, on a periodic basis, a per machine basis, a per usebasis, a time on line basis, based on the type or nature of resourcesused or other basis. For situations where the person or entity using thesystem pays for the amount of use thereof, provisions are made forcharging accordingly. This may involve, for example, the personrequesting the service identifying the machine, themself and/or theentity on whose behalf they are acting, to the service facility. Thiscommunication may be done through operation of the controller in the ATMcommunicating messages through one or more networks. In someembodiments, information stored in memory at the ATM may be accessed andused as the basis for accessing charges. In some embodiments, the personat the machine may provide identifying inputs that facilitate accessingcharges. Such charges may include in some embodiments providing a debitor credit card or other account number to which the remote serviceentity's charges may be assessed. In some embodiments, the chargeinformation may be input through manual inputs at the ATM such asthrough a keyboard at the machine. In some embodiments, chargeinformation may be input by use of a servicer's card by reading the cardthrough operation of the card reader on the ATM. In some embodiments,such capabilities may avoid the need for the ATM owner or the on siteservicing entity to establish any relationship with the manufacturer orother remote service company prior to requesting services. In additionsuch an arrangement may provide the remote service entity with greaterassurance of being paid. Of course, these approaches are exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In other exemplary embodiments data associated with the machine may begathered through the use of computer readable media that is placed inoperative connection with the one or more computers operating in themachine. In exemplary embodiments this computer readable media may beused to gather data associated with the machine which is represented byindicia recorded on the media. The computer readable media may then beoperably connected with an analysis computer. The analysis computer isthen operative to analyze the data for purposes of determining errors,faults, changes, conditions, counts, frequencies, or other informationthat can be used to identify problems or which predict conditions thatare likely developing and which indicate a need for future service ofthe automated banking machine.

FIG. 34 schematically represents an automated banking machine 302. ATM302 includes therein at least one computer 304. Computer 304 includesone or more processors, and the processors are in operative connectionwith one or more data stores schematically represented 306. The computer304 is also in operative connection with at least one visual outputdevice schematically represented by a screen 308.

ATM 302 further includes a plurality of transaction function devices 310which are in operative connection with the computer 304. Transactionfunction devices 310 may be of the types previously described which areoperated in carrying out transactions with the ATM. Such transactionfunction devices may include, for example, card readers, cashdispensers, printers, input devices such as keypads, function keys or atouch screen display, biometric readers, check imagers, cash dispensers,and other types of devices. Of course it should be understood that thementioned devices are merely exemplary of many that can be used. Theexemplary ATM also includes a reading and writing device 312 which inthe exemplary embodiment includes a CD read/write drive. CD read/writedevice 312 is operative to read and write indicia on removable computermedia such as a CD schematically represented 314. It should beunderstood, however, that the CD read/write device 312 is exemplary andin other embodiments other devices which may be used for reading andwriting computer readable information may be used. These may include,for example, USB drives, hard drives, smart cards, magnetic disk drives,tape drives, or other items which may perform a reading and/or writingfunction. It should also be understood that in some embodiments separatedevices may be used for purposes of performing reading and writingfunctions.

The exemplary ATM 302 further includes a communications device 316. Thecommunications device is operative to enable the ATM to communicatethrough one or more networks 318. Network 318 of the exemplaryembodiment enables the ATM 302 to communicate with financial transactioncomputers schematically represented 320. In the exemplary embodiment,communication between the ATM 302 and a financial transaction computer320 enables the ATM to carry out transactions. The exemplary embodimentalso enables the ATM 302 to carry out communications through the network318 with computers associated with one or more servicers schematicallyrepresented 322. Communication with the servicer computers in someembodiments may enable the ATM to indicate particular conditions whichexist at the ATM, such as a malfunction or a need to replenish cash orother consumable items. Such communication with the servicer computer322 may in some embodiments enable an appropriate servicer to bedispatched to remedy the problem. Also shown schematically in FIG. 34 isa stand-alone computer system 324. Computer 324 may be used as ananalysis computer in the manner later discussed for purposes ofanalyzing data associated with the ATM for purposes of detecting errors,faults, or other indications of developing problems associated with theATM.

In this exemplary embodiment, ATM 302 is configured so as to have storedtherein various types of data associated with its condition and/oroperation. Such data may be stored in one or more files in data store306. Alternatively, data may be stored in data stores in each of aplurality of transaction function devices 310 as schematicallyrepresented by data stores 326. The data stored is determined throughthe programming of the computer 304 and/or the processors included inthe transaction function devices. Such data may include in exemplaryembodiments, the program settings associated with configurable featuresof the machine. These may include, for example, the settings which areprogrammed into the machine with regard to aspects of communication,operation or other parameters which can be set at a variety of levels,either through software, hardware, or both, to achieve operation of themachine. Data stored in one or more data stores of the ATM 302 may alsoinclude data relating to the devices and/or operational characteristicsthereof during operations of the device or devices. This may include,for example, data of the types previously discussed which is indicativeof device performance or operational parameters during a plurality ofprior operations of the machine. Alternatively such data may beassociated with a newly initiated operation. Such data associated withthe devices may generally also include fault data. Such fault data mayinclude, for example, situations where a transaction function deviceattempted to perform a function, failed to do so, and then successfullycompleted the function after one or more retries. Such fault data mayalternatively include, for example, a situation where a particulardevice experienced a jam and thereafter was able to clear the jamthrough execution of a recovery routine. Such data may alternativelyinclude data corresponding to a partial loss of device capabilities. Ofcourse it should be understand that these examples of faults are merelyexemplary.

Embodiments may also store data in one or more data stores that may beuseful to predict a future need to service devices in the machine. Aspreviously discussed, various parameters such as speed, pressure,vacuum, cycle times, wear rates, cycles, power draw, variations incalibration data and other information may be sensed and stored forpurposes of monitoring operational parameters of the ATM. Such data mayalso be used for purposes of predicting probable future malfunctions orother conditions resulting in the need to service the ATM or a devicetherein at a time in the future. In exemplary embodiments, developers ofthe ATM may determine the particular types of data which are useful insuch analysis, and may cause such data to be captured and stored in oneor more data stores during machine operation. Of course it should beunderstood that these approaches are exemplary, and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

Examples of parameters that may be stored and calculated for a currencydispenser in an automated banking machine may include for example thetotal number of sheets dispensed since the machine was placed in serviceas well as the total number of notes that were picked by the device butinstead of being dispensed were diverted since the machine was placed inservice. Values may also include the total number of notes rejected,diverted and/or retracted in a set of transactions, for example the last500 transactions carried out by the machine. Other parameters mayinclude the average time taken by the cash dispenser to carry out aparticular function during a set of transactions, for example dispensefunction over the last 500 transactions. Another parameter may includethe average time over a set of transactions that the device has taken topresent a stack of bills that has been compiled within the ATM. Thismight also be done for example, for a set comprising the last 500transactions. Other values that may be monitored in this exemplaryembodiment include the number of mis-picks and doubles picked in a set,for example the last 50 transactions. Other values may include thenumber of instances in a set of transactions in which two notes weredispensed back to back by a picking device when only one note wasrequested. This may be tracked for the last 50 transactions, forexample. Other values in an exemplary embodiment include valuesassociated with sensors in the device. This may include for example, thepower draw for a radiation or other emitter of a sensor to produce acalibration output signal at an associated receiver of the sensor. Thismay be done for multiple radiation or other type sensors within thedevice. Of course these are exemplary values that may be indicative ofconditions that may be developing within an exemplary type of currencydispenser and in other embodiments and for other device types otherparameters that are indicative of potential problems or conditions thatmay be developing may be used.

Of course it should be understood that each type of transaction functiondevice within the machine will generally have different types ofparameters which are measured, calculated and/or stored for purposes ofproviding information that can be used to determine status and/orpredict a need for future service of devices within an automated bankingmachine. A servicer may then travel to the machine and perform theappropriate service actions.

In the exemplary embodiment the capability is provided for a servicer tooperate a computer in the machine to gather data associated withoperation of the machine and to have it analyzed for purposes ofdetermining errors or faults and/or to conduct a predictive analysis forpurposes of determining needs to service the ATM in the future.Instructions are included on removable computer readable media such asCD 314. The instructions are operative to cause the computer 304 tocarry out the exemplary logic represented in FIG. 35. Insertion of thecomputer readable media in the CD read/write drive 312 is operative tocause the instructions on the CD to be autorun by the computer. This isrepresented in FIG. 35 by step 328. The instructions are operative tocause the computer to generate an output through the screen 308. Theoutput in the exemplary embodiment is operative to indicate to theservicer who has input the computer readable media, that data is beinggathered from the machine. In the exemplary embodiment, the output isoperative to indicate over time the progress that is being made ingathering the data. This may in some embodiments take the form ofoutputs indicating the percentage of the data gathering process that hasbeen completed in any particular time. In alternative embodiments, moredetailed information may be output indicating the type of data beinggathered, the particular devices involved, and/or other informationwhich may be useful in indicating to a servicer involved in the processwhat is occurring. Such an output may include graphical elements, textelements, or both. The generation of this progress window is representedin FIG. 35 by a step 330.

The execution of the instructions on the media is also operative tocreate at least one processing thread in the computer 304. This isrepresented in FIG. 35 by a step 332. The processing thread is operativeto cause the computer 304 to carry out the data gathering, providescreen outputs, and carry out other steps described. The at least oneprocessing thread 332 is operative to cause the computer to create atleast one temporary file in the data store 306. This is represented inFIG. 35 by a step 334. In the exemplary embodiment, the temporary filesare used to store the data that is gathered by a computer in response tothe instructions.

As the computer executes one or more processing threads responsive tothe instructions, data is gathered and included in the one or moretemporary files. This is represented in FIG. 35 by a step 336. Aspreviously discussed, data gathered in an exemplary embodiment mayinclude the settings or other data relating to configurable parameters,information regarding faults, the problems that have occurred in theoperation of devices, the values of calibration parameters, the numberof instances of events, the time values associated with events and/ormay include other operational characteristics of devices in carrying outa plurality of prior operations with the machine. In an alternativeembodiment, the instructions may be operative to exercise specifictransaction function devices of the machine to test their functions andcurrent operational characteristics, and to generate data in response tothe operation thereof. Thus, for example, the instructions may beoperative to cause the computer to attempt to operate a number ofdifferent transaction function devices in the machine and to gathercurrent data responsive to the attempted operation thereof. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments not all of these types of data maybe gathered, or additional or different types may be gathered.

In the exemplary embodiment, the data gathered is secured throughoperation of the at least one computer responsive to the instructionsincluded on the removable computer media. This is represented in FIG. 35by a step 338. This may include in exemplary embodiments the computerapplying password protection to the data. Alternatively and/or inaddition, the computer may be operative to apply encryption to the data.Further, as discussed herein, security schemes involving digitalsignatures, digital certificates, or other forms of security may beapplied through operation of the computer.

The computer 304 is also operative in the exemplary embodiment to storeindicia corresponding to the data on the computer readable media. Thisis done through the computer controlling the operation of the CDread-write device. This is represented in FIG. 35 by a step 340. In theexemplary embodiment, the computer is operative to cause indiciacorresponding to the data to be written onto the CD from which theoriginal instructions for gathering the data were obtained. Aspreviously discussed, the indicia may be representative of the gathereddata in a secured format.

In the operation of the exemplary embodiment, the computer is operativeresponsive to the instructions loaded from the removable computerreadable media to cause the temporary files to be closed in the datastore. This is represented in FIG. 35 by a step 342. The instructionsare also operative to cause the drive 312 to eject the CD once theindicia has been recorded thereon. This is represented in step 344.Thereafter, the instructions are operative to cause the computer 304 toterminate the one or more processing threads which were operative tocause the data to be gathered. This is represented by step 346. Itshould be understood that these logical processes represented in FIG. 35are merely exemplary of the logical processes that may be used and theorder in which they may be performed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the indicia corresponding to the dataassociated with the automated banking machine is written to theremovable computer media such as a CD. This information may subsequentlybe analyzed by an analysis computer such as computer 324 schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 34. In the exemplary embodiment, the analysiscomputer is programmed to conduct an analysis on the data represented bythe indicia recorded on the CD. Such analysis in the exemplaryembodiment includes analyzing the data for errors in configurablefeatures of the machine. This may include, for example, errorsassociated with having inconsistent settings in the machine which resultin errors or improper operation. It may also include analysis of faults.This may include, for example, situations where devices had to repeatoperations or recover from malfunctions in order to carry out atransaction. Alternatively or in addition, the analysis computer may beoperative to review data associated with operational parameters and topredict based on programmed analysis of those parameters for theparticular devices, the probable future need to service one or moredevices, the type of service required, and the length of time beforesuch service is required. Of course, these types of analyses are merelyexemplary of those that might be performed.

FIG. 36 schematically represents logic steps associated with theanalysis of data by an analysis computer. Initially, the removablecomputer readable media is input to a reading device such as a CD drivein operative connection with the analysis computer. This is representedby a logic step 348. Further, in the exemplary embodiment the indiciawhich is representative of the gathered data may be secured through apassword. This password may be determined by the instructions includedon the media and may, for example, only be known by the supplier of theATM machine or other analysis software. In order to recover the data, inthe exemplary embodiment, the correct password must be input to theanalysis computer. This is represented in FIG. 36 by a logic step 350.

Responsive to input of the correct password, the analysis computer isoperative to read the indicia and to recover the data gathered from thebanking machine. This is represented in step 352. Thereafter, theanalysis computer is operative in accordance with its programming toanalyze the data. This analysis includes in an exemplary embodiment ananalysis of configuration data for purposes of determining whethersettings at the banking machine are incorrect or improper. Further inthe exemplary embodiment, fault data is analyzed for purposes ofdetermining conditions which may exist at the machine which indicateproblems which need to be remedied. Such analysis is representedschematically in logic step 354.

Further in the exemplary embodiment, the analysis computer includesprogramming which includes predictive analysis rules. Such predictiveanalysis rules are operative to analyze the data associated withparameters and/or operational characteristics of one or more of thetransaction function devices. Such operational characteristics areanalyzed to determine features associated with the operation and topredict a future need to conduct a service activity associated with oneor more transaction function devices. This is represented in FIG. 36 bya step 356.

The operation of the analysis computer is operative to produce andoutput one or more results. Such results in the exemplary embodimentindicate problems with configurable settings, incompatibilities, faultsor errors. The analysis computer may also provide predictive analysisand one or more outputs indicating the need to conduct future serviceactivities related to the banking machine. The determination of theseresults is represented in step 358.

In the exemplary embodiment, the analysis computer is in operativeconnection with one or more output devices. These output devices mayinclude, in exemplary embodiments, screen outputs, printers, modems,automated voice output systems, a computer which provides a webinterface output or e-mail output, or other types of devices. In theexemplary embodiment, the programming of the analysis computer isoperative to enable outputs through one or more of the output devicescorresponding to the results. This is represented in step 360. In someexemplary embodiments, the results may take the form of a detailedreport, including remedial actions to be taken at the machine. Generallyin exemplary embodiments, such information will used to conduct aprocedure to remedy any immediate problems. Alternatively or inaddition, the outputs providing a prediction of future serviceactivities that will need to be conducted at the machine reflectdeveloping problems as identified through the predictive analysis rulesthat may also be remedied at the same time. This has the benefit ofavoiding a machine breakdown that would otherwise likely occur on anunscheduled basis. Also it may enable the identification of developingor contributing conditions which may cause other malfunctions to occuror contribute to premature failures of replacement parts. Alternativelyor in addition, in some embodiments the results of the analysis mayinclude recommended changes to configurable settings of the machine orthe production of other data or software that can be loaded to themachine to provide remedial changes thereto. These may include, forexample, changes to configurable settings so as to remedy problems. Ofcourse, these approaches are exemplary.

For example in some embodiments the outputs from the analysis computermay indicate that a particular sensor in the machine is showing powercharacteristics that indicate that replacement will likely be requiredwithin a few weeks. Alternatively such analysis may show that aparticular motor is demonstrating speed and/or power drawcharacteristics which suggest that it is reaching the latter part of itsuseful life. Alternatively the analysis computer may show that aparticular picking mechanism is not picking as reliably as in the pastand that the picking member will require replacement in a few months.Alternatively data may indicate that illumination devices in a machinesuch as the back lighting for a display screen or other component areexperiencing changes in power draw that would indicate that a failuremay occur in a relatively short time. Information of these types whenoutput from the analysis computer can be used to inform a servicerexactly what actions to take the next time they are at the machine toavoid a machine breakdown. Further in exemplary embodiments the analysiscomputer may operate in accordance with its programming to identify notonly the remedial actions but also the parts or other materials that arerequired to perform the needed servicing. This information may be usedfor example to compile the necessary items that a servicer will need atthe time of the next service call to the machine whose data is analyzed.This may be done for example, by the data gathered and analyzedincluding information that corresponds to the models and types ofcomponents in the ATM, which enables selecting the exact repair parts.The analysis computer may then operate based on its programming andstored data to identify these parts. Such information may also be usedin some embodiments to assure that servicers have a local inventoryappropriate to conduct the necessary service activities which areappropriately done in response to the predictive analysis. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

It should be understood that in alternative embodiments instructions forthe at least one computer in the machine may be provided from a remotecomputer such as computer 322 shown in FIG. 34 rather than fromremovable computer media. Such instructions may be loaded to theautomated banking machine for purposes of gathering one or more types ofdata from the machine. In such embodiments, data may be loaded to mediaat the machine. Alternatively, such data may be transmitted through oneor more networks to one or more computers such as the computer 322. Thusthe delivery of computer executable instructions and the gathering ofdata may be carried out on a remote basis, electronically. Further, insome embodiments, wireless methods may be employed, such as with laptopcomputers, PDAs, cell phones or other types of devices for purposes ofgathering the data. In some exemplary embodiments analysis computers maybe located a substantial distance away from the automated bankingmachine. In other embodiments, the analysis computer may be operativeremotely but in relatively close proximity to the machine, such as on aservice technician's notebook computer or PDA. Various approaches may beused, depending on a particular ATM and the system in which it operates,as well as the requirements of the system and the type of analysis beingconducted.

In other exemplary embodiments the remote service entity may provide thecapability for upgrading the software that resides at the ATM. This maybe done on an as requested basis by the ATM owner or operator or localservicer. Alternatively this may be done on a periodic basis by theremote servicer as part of a subscription service or other activity.

The software programs residing at the ATM may be subject to occasionalchanges. Such changes may be in the nature of upgrades, problem fixes,new security features, support for new functions or devices or enhancedfunctionality. In some cases such software changes may be sufficientlysignificant so that the operator of the ATM or network in which they areused, may test and certify that the change is suitable for use. In othersituations the change may not be of sufficient significance to warrantcertification.

The ATMs used in exemplary embodiments may use a suitable communicationsdevice in operative connection with the ATM controller for communicatingwith the remote servicer system. Such a communications device mayinclude for example a modem, network card or other device forcommunicating through an appropriate network with the servicer system.In some exemplary embodiments the controller may have in a data storeassociated therewith, computer executable instructions such as agentsoftware to enable the generation and communication of messages betweenthe ATM and the servicer system. The ATM controller may also be inoperative connection with hardware or software suitable for providingencryption, SSL and/or other techniques for assuring securecommunication with the remote system. As can be appreciated, variousapproaches may be used depending on the nature of the system, thenetwork(s) through which communications pass and the nature of the dataor other items transmitted between the remote servicer system and theATM.

In cases where a problem exists at the ATM, the controller may beoperative responsive to appropriate authorizing data, to send one ormore messages to the remote servicer system indicating the softwareitems and revision levels for the software currently residing on theATM. A remote server operated by the remote servicer receiving thisinformation may be programmed to compare or otherwise analyze thesoftware items to the most current software for the particular type ofATM and/or ATM network or operator, or to analyze such software formalfunctions. The remote system may alternatively or in addition checkto determine whether the software copies indicated are licensed for useon the particular ATM. This may be done based on receipt of data storedin ATM memory that identifies the particular machine. Upon determiningthat corrections, enhancements or other desirable changes and/or one ormore items of software at the ATM may be provided, the server may beenabled to download the changes or one or more complete software itemsto the controller in the ATM. The controller operates to store thedownloaded software in local memory.

This may be done in some embodiments automatically through operation ofthe ATM controller and remote server. In other embodiments it may bedone in response to inputs provided by persons at the remote servicerfacility, at the ATM, or both. In some embodiments a servicer may berequired as a prerequisite to downloading the correction or software, toprovide billing data or provide payment to the remote servicer for suchsoftware or service. Alternatively or in addition, the remote servicermay require agreement to certain contractual terms and/or the receipt ofregistration or other data prior to electronic delivery of the softwareor correction. In some embodiments this may be accomplished bycommunications between the remote server and the ATM controller. Suchcommunications may cause the ATM to output license terms and “click toagree” or other legal terms which can be accepted by a servicer at theATM through inputs to one or more input devices. Further the server maycause the ATM to output prompts for inputs by the servicer ofinformation such as license registration data or other information theoperator of the remote server requires as a condition to providing thesoftware change. Alternatively or in addition, the remote servicer mayoperate to route communications to a computer other than the ATMcontroller to obtain agreement to terms, input of data or other data orinformation. This may be done for example in situations where owner oroperator personnel who are not located at the ATM must agree to legalterms, provide data, grant approvals or otherwise communicate with theremote servicer. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

In some embodiments the remote server may alternatively or additionallyoperate to load diagnostic software onto the ATM and/or activatediagnostic capabilities of the ATM that are otherwise not accessible.Such diagnostic software or capabilities may be removed or discontinuedat the end of the particular service session, may cease after a periodof time or may operate on a continuing basis. Appropriate communicationswith the remote server may also be exchanged to provide appropriateauthorizations and payment for such capabilities.

In other exemplary embodiments a remote servicer may provide softwaremanagement services for the owner or operator of ATMs. Such service mayinclude for example providing for the automated loading to ATMs ofcorrections, updates, or upgrades to software resident on the particularATMs. This may be done for example on an automated basis through securecommunications between the ATM controllers and the remote server. Thismay be done on a scheduled basis by the remote service provider inresponse to the ATM owner/operator paying for a subscription to suchservicer. Alternatively, it may be done on a per request basis for oneor more ATMs, with or without authorized servicers being present at themachines and providing inputs to authorize the software change. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary of many approaches that may beused.

As discussed previously with respect to FIGS. 17, 18, and 28, exemplaryembodiments of the ATM may include a diagnostic application 2140, 1044which is operative to access low level functions of an ATM hardwaredevice. Such low level functions may include exercising a motor sensoror other sub-component of the hardware device. Through such fine levelcontrol of the inner workings of an ATM hardware device, the source orcause of a high level functional failure of the device may bedetermined.

In an exemplary embodiment the diagnostic application 2140, 1044 maycomprise textual, audible or graphical information to facilitateservicing activities at the machine by servicers having a variety ofskills and servicing styles. The use of the diagnostic application 2140,1044 may be enabled by engaging a diagnostic article such as thediagnostic article 98, previously mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 4,in operative connection with the controller 72. Any of the varioussecurity measures previously discussed, such as biometric recognition,date and time limitations, encryption, or physical barriers may be usedto ensure that only authorized servicers access the diagnosticapplication. The logic flow illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, or otherseries of logical steps designed to limit access to authorizedservicers, may be implemented.

In an exemplary embodiment, once the diagnostic application is enabled,graphical indicia of status or other information may be output throughan output device of the ATM. Exemplary screens bearing indicia of systemand module status of the ATM are illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20. As canseen in FIG. 19, a graphical representation of the ATM 2500 may includea plurality of icons 2510 representing modules or components of the ATM2500 about which additional information or testing options may beavailable.

In an exemplary embodiment, a checkmark identified by reference numeral2510, may represent a satisfactory status. An “X” which is illustratedin FIG. 22 and identified by reference numeral 2520, may represent amalfunction or error of unknown origin. A lower case “I,” as illustratedin FIG. 22 identified by reference numeral 2530 may represent a moduleor component about which additional information is available. Suchinformation may be diagnostic data gathered during ATM operation, suchas information about a disabling malfunction, or operational data suchas speed, intensity, deflection, vacuum, force, friction, pressure,wear, or parameters that may be of significance in diagnosing existingor developing problems. An exclamation point, illustrated in FIG. 21,and denoted by reference number 1220, may indicate a problem with aknown resolution, such as low envelope supplies. It should be noted thatthese icons are exemplary in nature, as are the nature of the statussuggested by each. Additional or different icons or other indicia may beused to signify or suggest actions, status, or other information whichmay be useful to a servicer.

In addition to a graphical status representation, the diagnosticapplication 2140, may be operative to output textual, audible, or otherindicia representative of the same or similar information. In theexemplary illustration in FIG. 19, a textual status recitation 2550 isdisplayed adjacent the graphical status representation 2500. In FIG. 23a textual embodiment of a portion of a diagnostic application 2140 isshown, which may be displayed without a graphical accompaniment. Inother embodiments, the information may be output through any ATM outputdevice such as a printer, via ATM speakers, or by other suitable meanssuch as through a separate service device which is in operativeconnection with the ATM being serviced, such as a PDA, laptop computer,or other personal electronic device.

The diagnostic application 2140 may be operative responsive to servicerinput to display different graphical representations, suggest problemresolutions, perform tests, or provide additional information. Servicerinput may include such actions as clicking or touching an icon, enteringa textual command, pressing a button, or transmitting directions from aseparate local or remote service device. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 19, in response to the servicer clicking on theAdvanced Function Dispenser icon 2560, or the adjacent Advanced FunctionDispenser text line 2565, a graphical representation of the advancedfunction dispenser module 2570 may be displayed on an ATM output device,as illustrated in FIG. 22. This module representation 2580 may include aplurality of icons 2510, 2520, 2530 or other indicia of modules orcomponents of the advanced function dispenser module about whichadditional information, testing, or other actions may be available. Thediagnostic application 2140 may be further operative responsive toservicer input to switch to an entirely distinct diagnostic routine, orto leave the diagnostic application completely. In an exemplaryembodiment this may be accomplished by clicking or touching one or moregraphical tab 2590, such as those shown in FIG. 20.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the diagnosticapplication 2140 may be operative to output indicia of variousdiagnostic options to the servicer. This output may include, forexample, a graphical representation of an exemplary module with icons2520, or other indicia, of malfunctioning components. This output mayalso include other indicia of status, problems, or options, such as atextual representation of component status 2600, illustrated in FIG. 22below the graphical representation 2560. The diagnostic application2140, 1044 may be operative responsive to servicer input to providerecommended recovery actions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated,in response to clicking the unknown problem icon 2520, the diagnosticapplication causes an output to be displayed which includes a pluralityof recommended recovery actions 2610. In this exemplary embodiment, theoutput appears below the textual representation of component status2600. In this exemplary embodiment, the recommended recovery actions areranked based on the most likely cause of the malfunction or error,indicated illustratively in FIG. 22 by percentages 2620.

The diagnostic application may be operative responsive to servicer inputto output to the servicer the relevant article or articles from theservice data on a diagnostic article. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 24, responsive to the servicer clicking on arecommended recovery action, the diagnostic application caused the ATMto output the service manual article on replacement of the lead-throughindicator and exit sensor. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 24, the article is displayed on a screen in the ATM. In otherembodiments, the article may be displayed on other terminal outputdevices, or on other electronic devices operatively connected locally orremotely with the ATM.

Because the diagnostic article may be updated periodically, or may beavailable in multiple languages or for multiple ATMs incorporating thesame diagnostic application 2140 the diagnostic article 98 may containan index or cross reference which links the relatively permanentreferences embedded in the diagnostic application 2140 to theappropriate sections of the service data contained in the currentversion of the diagnostic article 98. By updating the index or crossreference table, a diagnostic application 2140 can be used with multipleversions of a diagnostic article, or with multiple revisions of the samediagnostic article 98.

Further exemplary features of a diagnostic application 2140 may permitthe servicer to selectively operate various components of a module orcomponent, or to perform selected tests. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 20, when a module status page is displayed thediagnostic application also displays a textual description 2630 ofvarious commands and tests the servicer may wish to perform. Thediagnostic application 2140 is operative responsive to servicer input,such as clicking on a command line, to execute various commands or testsand may further be operative to output additional information such ascomponent status before, during, and after the command, or recommendedresolutions. Based on the information output, the servicer may takefurther action to resolve any identified problems.

In an exemplary embodiment, a diagnostic application may offer a widerange of scripted routines for problem diagnosis, which may assist theservicer to diagnose a problem by performing a series of steps. Anexemplary scripted option may guide the servicer to perform a series oftasks including both high level operations, such as printing a receipt,and low level operations such as turning on the motor which drives thereceipt printer. In the alternative, a servicer may opt to independentlyselect and perform actions which the servicer's knowledge or experienceindicate may be the source of the problem. In such a self-directed useof the diagnostic application, the servicer may be able to access bothhigh and low level control of the transaction function devices, tofacilitate testing the gross functionality of a transaction functiondevice, or the interaction between two or more transaction functiondevices, as well as detailed functionality of each component of atransaction function device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic application 2140 may furtherbe operative in response to a system, module, or component status changeto prompt the servicer to log the resolution of the problem. Thisinformation may be stored as part of the diagnostic data discussedabove. An exemplary diagnostic application 2140 may be further operativeto transfer such diagnostic data to the diagnostic article 98 fortransmission to a diagnostic data collection application. Periodicallysuch diagnostic data may be compiled and analyzed, the weights of thesuggested recovery actions amended to reflect actual service experience,and the amended weights transferred back to the diagnostic applicationvia a new release of the diagnostic article 98 or other means. In otherembodiments, diagnostic data representing the correct recovery actionmay be recorded automatically based on data from the transactionfunction devices in conjunction with a change in component status or thediagnostic data may be transmitted to a diagnostic data collectionapplication by means other than a diagnostic article 98, such as throughan online connection such as through a modem, web, wireless, or cabletransmission.

In some exemplary embodiments, any of the diagnostic enhancementsdiscussed above may be made more accessible to a wider variety ofservicers by use of a diagnostics tool kit. The architecture of one suchtool kit 2700 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 25. Schematicallyshown is a diagnostics base application 2710 which includes terminallevel features and an overall framework for device diagnostics. Insimple form, an exemplary framework such as the one discussed inconnection with FIGS. 19 through 23, may include tabbed pages containinga variety of diagnostic options including graphical and textualrepresentations of various levels of system structure; iconic or textualaccess to additional information, tests, options, or suggested recoveryactions; and links to a separate or incorporated service manual.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic base application 2710 may beinteractive with a diagnostics support architecture 2730 forgeneralizing diagnostics, which may be further interactive with datastores 2740, 2750 to support the transformation of device specificdiagnostic configurations into global diagnostic configurations whichare accessible to non-vendor specific diagnostic applications. Thediagnostic base application 2710 may be further interactive with aninternationalization support architecture 2760 to provide support forinternationalization of diagnostics, which may be further interactivewith data stores 2770, 2775 to support the transformation of device orcountry specific string tables into strings accessible to the targetaudience.

In creating exemplary user interface components 2780 and devicediagnostics for a diagnostics application directed to a particularservicer audience an exemplary diagnostics tool kit may be also beinteractive with support architectures for diagnostic configuration 2730and internationalization 2760. The user interface components 2780 of thediagnostics tool kit may be further interactive with a generallyconfigured support architecture for a recovery action database 2790 tooperatively link to device specific recovery action databases 2800.

As schematically illustrated the diagnostics configuration andinternationalization support may be provided through a remote, ornetwork interaction 2720, whereas the recovery database support may bemore directly provided. It should be noted that these interactions areexemplary in nature, and other connections may be suitable as well.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 25, to improve the accessibility of theresulting diagnostic tools to a broad population of servicers, deviceand framework module interfaces 2810, 2820 may be wrapped in moreuniversal architectures or technologies 2830, 2840, such as Microsoft's.Net technology.

The use of such a tool kit allows a company to easily create diagnosticapplications in a variety of languages and for a variety of transactionfunction devices which have a homogenous operation, architecture, andlook and feel. This expands the range of machines which an individualservicer can service by making transition from one diagnosticapplication to another virtually seamless.

As discussed previously, exemplary embodiment of an ATM with an XFSlayer may include a diagnostic application 2140, 1044 which is operativeto control internal components of the transaction function devices ofthe ATM without communicating with the hardware devices through an XFSlayer.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the diagnostic applications 2140,1044 described previously or a different diagnostic applicationoperating in the ATM, may be used by a technician to diagnose problemsthat may be associated with the XFS layer and/or terminal applicationsin the application layer which run above the XFS layer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 30, an exemplary embodiment of an ATM mayinclude a diagnostic application 1516 which may be operative todetermine if a problem in the ATM is caused by a component of theapplication layer 1510 of the ATM or is caused by a hardware or softwarecomponent in the hardware layer 1512 of the ATM. The determination maybe formed by running each of the XFS controlled hardware devices througha plurality of predefined operations or functions. Based on whether theoperations are successful or unsuccessful, the diagnostic applicationmay be operative to form a determination as to whether the applicationlayer 1510 or the hardware layer 1512 is responsible for problems thatmay be occurring with the operation of the ATM.

For example, an exemplary embodiment of an ATM may include a cashdispenser, a depository mechanism, and/or a card reader. Each of thesehardware devices may be associated with a vendor provided SP. Thisdescribed exemplary embodiment of the diagnostic application 1516 may beoperative through communication with the XFS layer 1502 to run each ofthe hardware devices 1518 through a predefined set of operations. Forexample, through direct calls to the XFS layer, the diagnosticapplication 1516 may attempt to cause the cash dispenser to dispense anamount of cash and to retract the amount of cash. If the operation ofthe cash dispenser is not successful, the diagnostic application may beoperative to determine that the problem with the ATM corresponds to thehardware layer 1512 of the ATM such as with an SP 1513, UBR component1515, module interface framework 1517, or a hardware device 1518. Ifafter running each of the devices through the predefined set offunctions, all operations are successful, the diagnostic application maybe operative to determine that the problem with the ATM corresponds tothe application layer of the ATM such as with the terminal applications,user interface applications, TEC components and/or ODS componentswritten to interface with the XFS layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic application may furtherprompt a technician to perform a function with the ATM. For example,when testing the functions of the card reader, the diagnosticapplication 1516 may prompt a technician to insert a card. In addition,the diagnostic application may also prompt a technician to confirm thata function of the ATM performed correctly. For example, when testing thereceipt printer, the diagnostic application may include a predefinedoperation that causes the receipt printer to print a receipt. After thereceipt is printed the diagnostic application may prompt the technicianto confirm with an input through an input device of the ATM that thereceipt was properly generated and dispensed to the technician. Thediagnostic application may further output through the display deviceinformation concerning the expected output of the function such as whatinformation should have been printed on the receipt. The diagnosticapplication may then enable the technician to input a response that isindicative of whether the printed receipt corresponds to the informationthat should have been printed on the receipt.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic application may cause the ATMto output through an output device a message or other communicationwhich indicates which of the application layer or hardware layer of theATM is likely responsible for the problem or error in the ATM. Forexample, FIGS. 31 and 32 show exemplary embodiments of outputs 1540,1542 through a display device 1544 of an ATM that are produced by adiagnostic application. As shown in FIG. 31 if all the predefinedfunctions are completed successfully, the diagnostic application maycause the ATM to output through a display device an up arrow 1548 orother indicia which indicates that the vendor or vendors responsible forthe components in the application layer of the ATM may be responsiblefor the problem with the ATM. If one or more predefined functionsperformed by the diagnostic application do not complete successfully,the diagnostic application may cause the ATM to output through a displaydevice, a down arrow 1550 or other indicia which indicates that thevendor or vendors responsible for the software and/or hardwarecomponents of the hardware layer may be responsible for the problem withthe ATM.

In further exemplary embodiments, the diagnostics application mayfurther be responsive to the type of error that was detected whendetermining whether to output an up arrow or down arrow. For example, ifthe ATM had previously generated an error message corresponding to aproblem with the operation of a cash dispenser mechanism. The diagnosticapplication may be responsive to the generated error message and maylimit the testing of the ATM to the service providers and hardwaredevices that are associated with cash dispensing. If, in the exemplaryembodiment, the diagnostic application detects a problem in a softwareand/or hardware component of the hardware layer of the ATM which appearsunrelated to the component that caused the error message to begenerated, the diagnostic application may still provide the technicianwith information about the problem detected. However, the diagnosticapplication may also provide an output that indicates that this detectedproblem may be unrelated to the error message and thus the vendorsresponsible for the components in the application layer may still beresponsible for correcting the component associated with the errormessage.

FIG. 32 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which an ATM 1600comprises a security manager application 1602. As discussed previously,components of the device driver layer 1604 are operative responsive tothe XFS layer 1606 to control the operation of hardware devices 1608. Inthis described exemplary embodiment, the components of the device driverlayer 1604 may be further responsive to the security manager application1602 to control the operation of hardware devices 1608. The exemplaryembodiment of the security manager may be operative to selectivelyenable or disable individual components of the device driver layer suchas the SPs 1610, UBR components 1612 and/or module interface framework613. Each of the SPs 1610, UBR components 1612, and/or the moduleinterface framework may be adapted to communicate with the securitymanager 1602 to determine if they should proceed with controlling ahardware device responsive to communications receive from the XFS layer1606, diagnostic application or other application. For example if an SPor UBR component associated with a cash dispenser device receives acommunication from the XFS layer to cause a cash dispenser of the ATM todispense cash, the associated SP or UBR for the cash dispenser isoperative to acquire authorization from the security manager prior tocausing the cash dispenser device to dispense cash.

In an exemplary embodiment, the security manager may expressly grantauthorization to each individual SP or UBR component. As a result, eachSP or UBR must receive authorization to proceed with a function prior tocausing a corresponding hardware device of the ATM to perform thefunction. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, each SP and/or UBR mayproceed with controlling hardware devices unless they receive acommunication from the security manager 1602 not to proceed with thecontrol of hardware devices. Thus, each SP and/or UBR may be operativeto control hardware devices when the security manager is not installedon the ATM or is not enabled. However, when the security manager isinstalled and is enabled, the same SPs and/or UBR components may beoperative to stop being responsive to the XFS layer when a communicationfrom the security manager directs that the SPs or UBR components stopcontrolling hardware devices responsive to the XFS layer. In thisalternative exemplary embodiment, SPs and/or UBR components may be usedin XFS enabled ATMs without installing a security manager on the ATM.When a security manager is installed on the ATM, the SPs or UBRcomponents may then begin to be responsive to the security manager priorto operating hardware devices.

In exemplary embodiments of an ATM which includes both an XFS layer 1502and a module interface framework 1613, the device server of theframework (i.e., device dispatcher and manager) may be operative toselectively control transaction devices such as a cash dispenserresponsive to communications with the security manager 1602. In thesedescribed exemplary embodiments, the communication between the securitymanager 1602 and the device driver layer 1604 may be encrypted and/ordigitally signed or otherwise cryptographically authenticated to preventa rogue application from impersonating the security manager.

In an exemplary embodiment, components of the application layer 1614such as the previously described TEC or ODS components 1616, 1618 mayfurther be operative to communicate with the security manager 1602,prior to communicating with the XFS layer 1606. The security manager maybe operative to enable the device driver layer to proceed withcontrolling hardware devices responsive to the communications receivedfrom the TEC, ODS or other application layer components. For example,prior to a cash dispensing TEC or ODS component communicating a cashdispenser command to the XFS layer, the cash dispensing TEC or ODScomponent may first send a communication to the security manager. Thiscommunication may cause the security manager to enable the elements ofthe device driver layer associated with cash dispensing (i.e., themodule interface framework, SP or UBR) to control the cash dispenserdevice responsive to the XFS layer communication originating from thecash dispensing TEC or ODS component.

In further exemplary embodiments, the security manager may perform otherconsistency checks on the XFS communications received by the devicedriver layer. For example, the security manager may verify that theamount of cash requested to be dispensed by the XFS layer communicationto the cash dispenser SP corresponds to an amount of cash which theapplication layer component indicated to the security manager would bedispensed.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the communication between thesecurity manager 1602 and the components of the application layer 1614may be encrypted and/or digitally signed or otherwise cryptographicallyauthenticated to prevent a rogue application from impersonating anapplication layer component such as a TEC or ODS component. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment, hardware devices may only be operativeresponsive to communications through the XFS layer when the securitymanager has verified that the XFS communications are being sent from anauthorized application layer component. Thus, if a rogue applicationattempts to cause a hardware device to be operative such as a cashdispenser by communicating with the XFS layer, the security manager isoperative to prevent the device driver layer from operating the hardwaredevices.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the security manager may furtherbroker communications to the XFS layer. For example, when two or moreapplications attempt to communicate with the same hardware devicethrough the XFS layer, the exemplary security manager may be operativeto selectively control the order and timing of the communications. Forexample, the components of the XFS layer may be operative to wait forauthorization from the security manager before sending a communicationto the XFS layer. When the security manager receives multiple requestsfor authorization to communicate with the same hardware device and/orfunction of a hardware device, the XFS layer may initially authorize afirst one of the application layer components to send a communicationthrough the XFS layer. When the security manager receives anacknowledgment from the device driver layer that the first XFScommunication has been received and/or has been completed, the securitymanager may then authorize the second application layer component tosend a communication to the hardware device through the XFS layer.

The order of communications from application layer components to the XFSlayer may be based on the order that the requests from the applicationlayer components were received by the security manager. In otherexemplary embodiments, the order may be based on other criteria. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the security manager may enable anapplication layer component to have exclusive control over or lock onthe communication with a particular hardware device and/or function ofthe hardware device. Such lock may be maintained until such time whenthe application layer component sends a communication to the securitymanager which relinquishes the lock. During the period of the lock, thesecurity manager may only authorize the application layer componentwhich created the lock to send communications through the XFS layer forthe locked hardware device and/or function of the hardware device.

In this described exemplary embodiment, each of the application layercomponents, the device driver layer components, and the security managermay have an associated digital certificate, public key, private key, orother cryptographic information which can be used to authenticatecommunications between them. Communication between each applicationlayer component and the security manager, or between each device driverlayer component and the security manager may be digitally signed with aprivate key associated with the sending component. The exemplaryembodiment of the security manager may be operative to verify thedigital signature using a public key associated with the sendingapplication layer or device driver layer component. In addition, toprevent possible man-in the middle attacks, the exemplary embodiments ofthe application layer components, the device driver layer components,and the security manager may be operative to perform handshakingprotocols which pass encrypted information between the security managerand the application layer or device driver layer for use withestablishing a secure communication channel or session between thecomponents. Examples of methods of authenticating communications betweensoftware and/or hardware components of an ATM which may be used with thedescribed exemplary embodiments, include the authentication methodsfound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/620,966 filed Jul. 15, 2003and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/126,728 filed Apr. 19, 2002,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In further exemplary embodiments, components of the application layer,may further be operative to authenticate other components of theapplication layer prior to being responsive to each other. For example,the ODS layer components may authenticate communications from the TECcomponents or other application layer components prior to communicatingwith the XFS layer responsive to the received communications. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment, the applications layer components may beoperative to independently authenticate communications received fromother application layer components. In alternative exemplaryembodiments, the application layer components may be operative to usethe security manager to authenticate communications. In this describedexemplary embodiment, the security manager may be operative toauthenticate communications on behalf of an application layer componentprior to the application layer component acting on the communication.Further, in alternative exemplary embodiments, all communicationsbetween application layer objects may be passed through the securitymanager. The security manager may then be operative to authenticate eachcommunication prior to forwarding the communication onto its intendedrecipient application layer component.

Computer software instructions used in operating the automated bankingmachines such as ATMs and connected computers may be loaded fromcomputer readable media or articles of various types into the respectivecomputers. Such computer software may be included on and loaded from oneor more articles such as diskettes, CDs, or DVDs. Such software may alsobe included on articles such as hard disk drives, tapes, memory devices,USB drives, or portable computing devices. Other articles which includedata representative of the instructions for operating computers in themanner described herein are suitable for use in achieving operation ofautomated banking machines and systems in accordance with exemplaryembodiments.

The exemplary embodiments of the automated transaction machines andsystems described herein have been described with reference toparticular software components and features. Other embodiments of theinvention may include other or different software components whichprovide similar functionality.

Thus, the features and characteristics of the embodiments previouslydescribed achieve desirable results, eliminate difficulties encounteredin the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems and may attainone or more of the objectives stated above.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. Apparatus comprising: an automated banking machine including aplurality of transaction function devices, at least one of thetransaction function devices including a cash dispenser, at least onecomputer in operative connection with a plurality of the transactionfunction devices, and at least one data store in operative connectionwith the at least one computer; at least one analysis computer inoperative connection with at least one analysis output device; whereinthe at least one data store includes data associated with the automatedbanking machine, wherein the data includes configurable settings ofconfigurable features of the automated banking machine; wherein the atleast one computer is operative to cause the data to be gathered and tooutput from the automated banking machine, indicia corresponding to thedata in machine readable form; wherein the at least one analysiscomputer is operative responsive to the indicia to produce at least oneresult corresponding to at least one error in configurable settings ofconfigurable features of the automated banking machine, and to outputresult indicia corresponding to the at least one result through the atleast one analysis output device.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1and further comprising: a computer media write device in operativeconnection with the at least one computer, wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause the indicia to be recorded throughoperation of the media write device.
 3. The apparatus according to claim2 and further comprising: removable computer media operativelyreleasibly engaged with the media write device, wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause the indicia to be recorded on theremovable computer readable media.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1and further comprising: a read and write device in operative connectionwith the at least one computer, and removable computer readable media inoperative connection with the read and write device, and wherein theremovable media includes instructions, and wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause the data to be gathered responsive to theinstructions.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein theinstructions are operative to cause the at least one computer to causethe indicia to be recorded on the removable media.
 6. Apparatuscomprising: an automated banking machine including a plurality oftransaction function devices, at least one of the transaction functiondevices including a cash dispenser, at least one computer in operativeconnection with a plurality of the transaction function devices, and atleast one data store in operative connection wit the at least onecomputer; a read and write device in operative connection with the atleast one computer, and removable computer readable media in operativeconnection with the read and write device, and wherein the removablemedia includes instructions, wherein the at least one data storeincludes data associated with the automated banking machine, wherein thedata includes at least one selected from a group including configurablesettings of the banking machine, operational characteristics of at leastone of the transaction function devices in a plurality of operations,and data predictive of at least one future need to service at least onetransaction function device; wherein responsive to the instructionsincluded on the removable media, the at least one computer is operativeto cause the data to be gathered and to record indicia corresponding tothe data in machine readable form on the removable media.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6 wherein the instructions are operative tocause at least one temporary file to be established in the at least onedata store, and to cause gathered data to be stored in the at least onetemporary file.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein theinstructions are further operative to cause the at least one computer tocause the at least one temporary file to be deleted after indicia isoutput.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the instructionsare operative to cause at least one processing thread to be created inthe at least one computer, and wherein the at least one processingthread is operative to cause the at least one temporary file to beestablished.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein theinstructions are operative to cause the at least one computer to deletethe temporary file and terminate the at least one processing thread. 11.The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the banking machine furthercomprises a visual output device, and wherein the instructions areoperative to cause the visual output device to provide at least oneoutput indicative of gathering the data.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 11 wherein the at least one output is indicative of progress ingathering the data.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein theinstructions are operative to cause the at least one computer to securethe data, wherein the indicia corresponds to secured data.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 13 wherein the indicia comprisespassword-protected data.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13 whereinthe indicia comprises encrypted data.
 16. The apparatus according toclaim 13 wherein the read and write device comprises a drive, andwherein the instructions axe operative to cause the at least onecomputer to cause the removable computer readable media to be ejectedfrom the drive.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16 and furthercomprising an analysis computer separate from the at least one computerin the banking machine, wherein the analysis computer is in operativeconnection with at least one analysis media reading device, and whereinthe analysis computer is operative to cause the analysis media readingdevice to read the indicia on the removable computer readable media andto analyze the data corresponding to the indicia.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 17 and further comprising at least one analysisoutput device in operative connection with the analysis computer,wherein through analyzing the data the analysis computer is operative toproduce at least one result, and wherein the analysis computer isoperative to cause result indicia corresponding to the at least oneresult to be output through the analysis output device.
 19. Theapparatus according to claim 17 wherein the analysis computer isoperative to produce at least one result corresponding to errors insetting of configurable features of the banking machine.
 20. mcapparatus according to claim 17 wherein the analysis computer isoperative to produce at least one result corresponding to faults inoperation of at least one transaction function device.
 21. The apparatusaccording to claim 17 wherein, the analysis computer is operative toproduce at least one result predicting a future need to service thebanking machine.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the datais predictive of a future need to service at least one transactionfunction device in the banking machine, and further comprising at leastone analysis computer in operative connection with at least one analysisoutput device, wherein the at least one analysis computer is operativeresponsive to the indicia to produce at least one result predicting afuture need to service at least one transaction function device in thebanking machine, and to output result indicia corresponding to the atleast one result through the at least one analysis output device. 23.The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the data is representative ofconfigurable features in the banking machine, and further comprising atleast one analysis computer in operative connection with at least oneanalysis output device, wherein the at least one analysis computer isoperative responsive to the indicia to produce at least one resultcorresponding to at least one error in settings of configurable featuresof the banking machine, and to output result indicia corresponding tothe at least one result through the at least one analysis output device.24. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the data isrepresentative of operational characteristics of at least one of thetransaction function devices, and further comprising at least oneanalysis computer in operative connection with at least one analysisoutput device, wherein the at least one analysis computer is operativeresponsive to the indicia to produce at least one result correspondingto a fault in at least one of the transaction function devices, and tooutput result indicia corresponding to the at least one result throughthe at least one analysis output device.
 25. The apparatus according toclaim 24 wherein the at least one transaction function device comprisesthe cash dispenser, and wherein the at least one result is indicative ofa fault with the cash dispenser.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 25wherein the data representative of operational characteristics is storedin a data store on the cash dispenser.
 27. The apparatus according toclaim 6 and further comprising at least one analysis computer separatefrom the at least one computer in the banking machine, wherein theanalysis computer is in operative connection with at least one analysismedia reading device, and wherein the analysis computer is operative tocause the analysis media reading device to read the indicia on theremovable computer readable media, and to analyze the data correspondingto the indicia to determine at least one selected from a group includingerrors in setting configurable features of the banking machine, faultswith at least one transaction function device, and a prediction of afuture need to service at least one transaction function device.
 28. Theapparatus according to claim 6 and further comprising a visual outputdevice on the banking machine and in operative connection with the atleast one computer, and wherein the instructions are operative to causethe visual output device to provide an output indicating that the datais being gathered.